Sterile technique

Sterile technique What does sterile mean? Free from all organisms, including spores & viruses What does contaminated mean? organisms & pathogens are present

Sterile technique Many procedures require the use of sterile techniques to protect the pt from further infection Sterile techniques must be followed to ensure sterile items remain sterile

Sterile technique Surgical asepsis=procedures that keep an object or area free from living organisms Medical asepsis=clean technique (not sterile)

Rules for Sterile technique Keep a clean, uncluttered working area when working with sterile supplies to avoid accidental contamination

Rules for Sterile technique A sterile object must never touch a nonsterile item

Rules for Sterile technique If sterile objects touch the skin or your clothing, they are no longer sterile

Rules for Sterile technique Any area below the waist is considered contaminated, so sterile articles must be held away from and in front of the body and above the waist

Rules for Sterile technique Never reach across the top of a sterile field. Microorganisms can drop off your arm or clothing and contaminate the field.

Rules for Sterile technique Reach in from either side to place sterile items on a sterile field.

Rules for Sterile technique Avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking over a sterile field because airborne particles can fall on the field and contaminate it.

Rules for Sterile technique The 2” border around the sterile field is considered contaminated, so sterile items should not touch those areas

Rules for Sterile technique In most facilities, autoclaved items should not be more than 30 days since autoclaving was done.

Rules for Sterile technique Do not use sterile items if the package has any sign of moisture

Rules for Sterile technique Keep the sterile field dry because microorganisms travel quickly through a wet surface.

Rules for Sterile technique Use either the drop technique, mitten technique, or transfer forceps to remove articles from sterile wraps.

Rules for Sterile technique The sterile tray should be open and you should be ready to do the sterile procedure before putting on sterile gloves.

Rules for Sterile technique Sterile gloves are considered sterile on the outside and contaminated on the inside

Rules for Sterile technique Once sterile gloves are on, hold hands away from the body and above the waist to avoid contamination

Rules for Sterile technique Touch only sterile items while wearing sterile gloves

Rules for Sterile technique Never turn your back to the sterile field.

Sterile technique If at any time during a sterile procedure, there is any suspicion that you have contaminated any article, start over. Never take a chance on using contaminated equipment or supplies.