[themcgruff]

In the operating room, where some would argue where procedural checklists like this might most count, they use a pre-op timeout procedure. Usually this is to ensure the right patient is being operated on, in the right place(s), and that the right operation is being performed. The same happens before the patient is "closed". A count is taken of every bit of material / tooling used in the procedure to make sure nothing is "left behind" (in the patient). Sources: 1.) http://www3.aaos.org/member/safety/guidelines.cfm for more information. 2.) My wife who was a surgery resident.