Title: Create and maintain the sterile field.
Course: Surgical Technologist II (14056--II) > Section: Demonstrating Preoperative Procedures

Creating and maintaining the sterile field should include

- ensuring that all chemical indicators and seals indicate adequate sterilization
- ensuring that surgical team members are sterile and have correctly donned sterile clothing (e.g., gown, gloves, mask, cap)
- ensuring sterile technique and movement within the sterile field throughout the intraoperative process
- immediately alerting the surgical team of any break in the sterile field
- visually ensuring the instruments are clean.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the distinction between medical and surgical aseptic techniques?
- What steps should be taken to open a sterile package and maintain sterility?
- What steps should be taken to don sterile gloves and maintain sterility?
- What is the procedure for handling sterile forceps (both wet and dry) and maintaining sterility?
- What steps should be taken to pour sterile liquids and maintain sterility?
- What are common infractions of accepted surgical aseptic practices?
- What is the significance of the expiration date on a sterile item?
- Why should the surgical technologist assess containers/packages of sterile items for damage/wetness?
- How should the surgical team handle contaminated disposable sharps? Why? 
- What action should a surgical technologist take if he or she suspects contamination of the sterile field? Why?