AGPT registrars can commence applying to practices for the 2025.2 placement round through the Training Management System (TMS) from Monday, 28 April. Due to this, we are anticipating higher-than-usual traffic to our TMS. Although this may result in slower load times, we will actively be monitoring TMS performance and making necessary changes to remediate any issues. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Scrub brush in chrome box

Item details

Object number	M-351
Manufacturer	Richard Thompson
Place	London
Date	1930s
Category	Surgical tools and equipment
Material	Wood, bristle, chrome

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Description

From the middle of the 19^th century, hand antisepsis by the surgeon along with disinfection of the surgical site were considered to be vital in reducing surgical site infection rates. By the 1930s a 7-minute handwash with soap, water and a brush followed by the application of 70% ethanol and drying with a towel was the recommended pre-surgery protocol. The lidded chrome box for this scrub brush allowed for sterilisation of the brush in between procedures and portability for use in a variety of settings. Disposable brushes or brush-sponges took over from such re-usable brushes from the 1960s onwards. The chrome box is stamped ‘Hatrick London’ - possibly the name of the suppliers.