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Definition of Scrub up

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Scrub up: To wash the hands and forearms very thoroughly, as before surgery. To scrub up implies the use of a brush (and often an implement to clean under the nails). To scrub up, to scrub in (on a surgical procedure), and to scrub are synonymous.