13 PRINCIPLES OF STERILE TECHNIQUE 1. ONLY STERILE ITEMS ARE USED WITHIN THE STERILE FIELD.
Some items such as linens, sponges, or basins may be obtained from stock supply of sterile packages. Others, such as instruments, may be sterilized immediately proceeding the operation and removed directly from the sterilizer to the sterile tables. Every person who dispenses a sterile article must be sure of its sterility and of its sterile until used. Proper packaging, sterilizing, and handling should provide such assurance. If you are in doubt about the sterility of anything consider it not sterile. Known or potentially contaminated items must not be transferred to the field, for example: a. If sterilized package is found in a nonsterile …show more content…

b. When sterile packs are opened in a room, or a sterile field is set up, someone must remain in the room to maintain vigilance.
9. STERILE PERSONS KEEP WELL WITHIN THE STERILE AREA. Allow a wide margin of safety when passing unsterile areas and following these rules: a. Sterile persons stand back at a safe distance from the operating table when draping the patient. b. Sterile persons pass each other back to back c. Sterile persons turn back to nonsterile persons or area when passing. d. Sterile persons faces sterile area to pass it. e. Sterile persons ask nonsterile individual to step aside rather than risk contamination. f. Sterile persons stay within and around a sterile field. They do not walk around or go outside room. g. Movement within and around a sterile area is kept to a minimum to avoid contamination of sterile items or persons.
10. STERILE PERSONS KEEP CONTACT WITH STERILE AREAS TO A MINIMUM. The following rules are observed. a. Sterile persons do not lean on sterile tables and on the draped patient. b. Sitting or leaning against a nonsterile surface is break in technique. If the sterile team sits to operate, they do so without proximity to nonsterile area.
11. UNSTERILE PERSONS AVOID STERILE AREA. A wide margin of safety must be maintained when passing sterile areas by following these rules: a. Unsterile persons maintain at least one foot (30cm) distance from any area of the sterile field. b. Unsterile persons