Establishing and Maintaining a Sterile Field

Category: Infection Control
Status: Stub — content coming soon

Purpose

A sterile field prevents introduction of microorganisms into a wound or body cavity during invasive procedures.

Principles of Surgical Asepsis

1. A sterile object becomes contaminated when touched by a non-sterile object
2. A sterile field is contaminated when exposed to air for prolonged periods
3. A sterile field below the waist is considered contaminated
4. The border (1 inch / 2.5 cm) of a sterile drape is considered contaminated
5. A wet sterile field is contaminated (strike-through contamination)
6. Never turn your back on a sterile field
7. If in doubt — throw it out

Equipment

• Sterile drape or sterile wrapper
• Sterile gloves
• Sterile supplies

Procedure

Maintaining Sterility

• Keep sterile items above waist level and in your field of vision
• Avoid talking, coughing, or sneezing over the field
• Do not reach across the sterile field

Notes

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