Sterile Field

Sterilization
• process that eliminates all microorganisms--
including bacterial endospores--from
instruments, drapes, and other items
sterile field
• an area created by placing sterile towels or
surgical surgical drapes around the
procedure site and on the stand that will hold
sterile instruments and other items needed
during the procedure.
 To maintain the sterile
field:
Do not place sterile items near open
windows or doors.
Place only sterile items within the
sterile field.
Do not contaminate sterile items when
opening, dispensing, or transferring
them.
Consider items located below the level
of the draped client to be unsterile.
Do not allow sterile personnel to reach
across unsterile areas or to touch
unsterile items.
Do not allow unsterile personnel to
reach across the sterile field or to
touch sterile items.
Recognize and maintain the provider's
sterile area.
Recognize that the edges of a package
containing a sterile item are
considered unsterile.
Recognize that a sterile barrier that
has been penetrated (wet, cut, or
torn) is considered contaminated.
Be conscious of where your body is at
all times, and move within or around
the sterile field in a way that
maintains sterility.
Placethe package in the center of the
work area so that the top flap of the
wrapper opens away from you.

Reaching around the package, pinch

the first flap on the outside of the
wrapper between the thumb and
index fingers. Pull the flap open,
laying it on the far surface.
Repeat for the inside flaps, opening
the top one first. Use the right hand
for the right flap, and the left hand for
the left flap.

Pullthe fourth flap toward you by

grasping the corner that is turned
down.
Lay the last flap on the near surface
making sure it does not touch your
uniform

Make use of a sterile forceps when

handling sterile packs.

Deposit a sterile item on a sterile field

without allowing the forceps to touch
the sterile field.
When placing used forceps on a sterile
field, position the handles outside the
sterile field.

When opening a sterile container, do it

to a shorter period as possible.

Do not talk, cough or sneeze while the

container is open.
Remove the lid, and hold it above your
waist with the innermost side facing
downward. Hold the lid still; do not
move it around. If it is necessary to
put the lid down invert it first so that
the innermost side is facing upward.
Once the sterile supplies have been
removed from the container, do not
return them in to it even if they are
sterile.