STERILE TECHNIQUE

Kristal Liza C. Besario,RN,MAN

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 Objectives:
• At the end of the discussion, the students will
be able to:
1. Understand & define what is sterile
technique
2. Appreciate the importance of sterile
technique
3. To perform skills on setting up a sterile field

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 Sterile Technique
• An object is sterile only when it is free of all
microorganism
• Is practiced in Operating Room, Special
Diagnostic Areas & in General Care Areas

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 Sterile Field
• Is a microorganism-free area
• Nurses often establish a sterile field by using a
sterile drape

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 Principles & Practices
of Surgical Asepsis
• All objects used in a sterile field must be
sterile
• Sterile objects become unsterile when
touched by unsterile objects
• Sterile objects that are out of vision or below
the waist or table level are considered
unsterile
• Sterile objects can become unsterile by
prolonged exposure to airborne
microorganism KLCBesario
 Principles & Practices
of Surgical Asepsis
• Fluids flow in the direction of gravity
• Moisture that passes through a sterile object
draws microorganisms from unsterile surfaces
above or below to the sterile surface by
capillary action
• The edges of a sterile field are considered
unsterile

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 Principles & Practices
of Surgical Asepsis
• Fluids flow in the direction of gravity
• Moisture that passes through a sterile object
draws microorganisms from unsterile surfaces
above or below to the sterile surface by
capillary action
• The edges of a sterile field are considered
unsterile

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 Principles & Practices
of Surgical Asepsis
• The skin cannot be sterilized & is unsterile
• Conscientiousness, alertness, & honesty are
essential qualities in maintaining surgical
asepsis

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Establishing & Maintaining a
Sterile Field

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