Asepsis Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Sterile Field Scrubbed personnel function in a sterile field. Surgical gown is considered sterile: – from 2 in above the elbow down to the edge of the cuff and the front of the chest to the level of the surgical table.

Unsterile parts of surgical gown: – Neckline – Shoulders – Top of the cuff – Lower portion of the gown – Back Sterile Field

Sterile Drapes Cover the entire animal, furniture, and equipment. Watch for strike-through.

Opening Items for Use in Sterile Field Inspect for sterility: No holes or tears Sterile indicators

Opening Items for Use in Sterile Field Open, dispense, and transfer by methods that maintain sterility and integrity of product.

Opening Fluids for Use in Sterile Field

Moving Around the Sterile Field Be aware of sterile and nonsterile areas in the surgery room. Unscrubbed personnel should always face the surgical field. Unscrubbed personnel should not step between two sterile fields or scrubbed personnel. There should be minimal talking Surgery room door should remain closed as much as possible.

Circulating Nurse Opens packs and is the runner for the surgical team.

Opening Peel-Away Pouches

Opening Wrapped Packs Open on a clean, flat, dry surface in surgery room.

Opening Wrapped Packs

Opening Gowns and Gloves Open on a clean, flat, dry surface in surgery room.

Surgical Assisting—Duties during Surgery Copyright © 2012 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Accepting Sterile Packs Be careful not to inadvertently contaminate the assistant or the sterile field. Be aware of the nonsterile portions of the packaging.

Scalpel Blades and Handles Use needle holders to place blades.

Scalpel Blades and Handles

Threading Eyed Needles Place needle holder about two-thirds of the way into the needle’s curve for secure and controlled handling. The suture passes through the needle eye from inside the needle’s curve to the outside. The suture and the needle should be in a needle holder so the surgeon can use them immediately.

Threading Eyed Needles

Passing Ring-Handled Instruments Close ratchet Ring handles facing the floor

Passing Ring-Handled Instruments, Curved

Instrument Count Why is this important? How to do it right.

Sponge Count How to do it right.

Draping Cloth hand towels Fenestrated drapes Ground drapes Linen Paper Commercially prepared paper or plastic

Lateral near Lateral, far Cranial Caudal Top Draping

Secure ground drapes

Place towel clamp Draping

Place penetrating towel clamp

Place nonoperative towel clamp Draping

Finished draped surgical site