Adding Items to a Sterile Field

Category: Infection Control
Status: Stub — content coming soon

Purpose

Adding items incorrectly is a leading cause of sterile field contamination. Proper technique ensures sterility is maintained.

Methods

Flipping/Tossing a Packaged Item

Used when items are packaged in peel-apart wrappers.

Opening a Wrapped Package onto the Field

Key Principles

• Open packaging away from the sterile field to prevent wrapper contamination
• Do not reach over the sterile field
• The outer 1-inch border of packaging is considered non-sterile
• Hold packages at waist level or above
• If an item falls to the floor or below the waist — it is contaminated

Common Errors to Avoid

• Dropping items from too high (creates air turbulence)
• Touching the inner surface of the wrapper with non-sterile hands
• Reaching across a sterile field

Notes

Add personal notes here.