What are the three types of surgical counts and when do you perform a recount?

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Preventing a retained item relies on systematic counts of materials that could be left in the patient. The three categories tracked are sponges, sharps, and instruments. An initial count is done before the incision, interim counts are performed as items are added to or removed from the sterile field during the procedure, and a final count is completed just before wound closure. If any discrepancy arises or an item appears missing, a recount is required until all items are accounted for. Gown, glove, and drape items aren’t the same focus as intraoperative counts, and counting isn’t limited to only start and end.