Sterile Areas:Sterile Areas:A properly gloved and gowned provider's sterile area extends from the chest to the level of the sterile field. Sleeves are sterile from 5 cm above the elbow to the cuff.
Areas below the level of the draped client are considered nonsterile.
Maintaining the sterile field:
Place only sterile items within the sterile field.
Open, dispense, and transfer items without contaiminating them.
Do not allow unsterile personnel to reach across the sterile field or to touch sterile items.
Do not allow sterile personnel to reach across unsterile areas or to touch unsterile items.
Recognize and maintain the service provider's sterile area.
If a sterile barrier has been wet, cut, or torn, consider it contaminated.
Do not place sterile items near open windows or doors.
When in doubt about whether something is sterile, consider it contaminated.
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