Which statement about sterile technique is accurate?

Which statement about sterile technique is accurate?

• A. Sterile gloves are optional
• B. You can touch non-sterile items with sterile gloves
• C. Sterile technique is only for surgeons
• D. Sterile and unsterile items must not touch

Answer: (D)

Maintaining a sterile field means keeping sterile items separate from unsterile items and preventing any contact between them. If a sterile item touches an unsterile item, microorganisms can transfer and contaminate the sterile item, defeating the purpose of sterility. Sterile gloves are required when handling sterile equipment; touching non-sterile surfaces with sterile gloves contaminates the gloves and the field, so gloves are not optional. Sterile technique is used for many procedures beyond surgery, wherever a sterile area must be protected, such as wound care or catheter placement. The idea that sterile and unsterile items must not touch captures the essence of preventing contamination and is the accurate statement.

Maintaining a sterile field means keeping sterile items separate from unsterile items and preventing any contact between them. If a sterile item touches an unsterile item, microorganisms can transfer and contaminate the sterile item, defeating the purpose of sterility. Sterile gloves are required when handling sterile equipment; touching non-sterile surfaces with sterile gloves contaminates the gloves and the field, so gloves are not optional. Sterile technique is used for many procedures beyond surgery, wherever a sterile area must be protected, such as wound care or catheter placement. The idea that sterile and unsterile items must not touch captures the essence of preventing contamination and is the accurate statement.