Overview of Sterile Technique
A “sterile field” is a term we use to refer to an area that is free from germs as much as possible. We create this safe and clean area in many situations, not just in the operating room during surgeries. The main purpose of this is to minimize the chance of germs entering a patient’s body during various procedures.
For example, a sterile field is necessary when doctors insert a Foley catheter (a tube to drain urine from the bladder), arterial line (a thin tube inserted into an artery), or a central line (a long, flexible tube placed in a large vein for giving medications or fluids). Each of these procedures, like surgery, involves breaking the skin and entering the body, which could allow germs to get in. That’s why we need to ensure the area is as germ-free as possible.
In the operating room, medical practitioners create sterile fields by first identifying the areas to be kept germ-free. This includes the back table where surgical instruments are placed, the mayo stand (a movable table for tools and equipment), and crucially, the patient and the surgical site itself.
Equipment used for Sterile Technique
To perform a medical procedure in a clean and infection-free way, the doctor needs certain tools. Here’s what they will use:
* A sink or an automatically operated sink: This is used by the doctor to clean their hands thoroughly before the procedure.
* A sterile scrub brush with a nail pick: Used for meticulously cleaning the hands and nails to remove all possible contaminants.
* Antiseptic soap: A special kind of soap designed to kill bacteria and other germs, providing an additional layer of protection against potential infections.
* Sterile gown and gloves: These are worn by the doctor to protect their skin and clothing from germs, and to prevent them from transmitting any germs to you during the procedure.
* Drying towel: Used for drying hands after washing, this towel is also sterile to prevent the reintroduction of bacteria after hands have been washed and disinfected.
Who is needed to perform Sterile Technique?
If anyone is carrying out a procedure that involves entering the body, they should use a method called ‘sterile technique’. This is a special way of doing things to ensure that the environment and tools are free from germs or bacteria. This helps to prevent infections.
How is Sterile Technique performed
In a medical procedure, it’s critical to maintain a sterile space to avoid infection. The area should be prepared as close to the procedure time as possible, as leaving it for a longer period can raise the risk of contamination from airborne particles or accidental disturbance. This could lead to hospital-acquired infections.
When setting up the sterile area in the operating room, position the furniture first as moving around can spread particles. Make sure furnishings like the operating table, ring stand, and mayo stand are placed 12 to 18 inches away from walls or any objects that could introduce contamination.
Before unpacking any supplies, check the packaging material for any holes or tears to make sure the items are still sterile. Once everything is checked and in place, you can begin to cover the back table, which is the main sterile field. Be mindful of a theoretical 1-inch border on the table’s edges, which isn’t considered sterile. Also, avoid moving anything beneath table height into the sterile area as this could introduce contamination.
Once you’ve set up the back table, you can unpack sterile supplies such as the instrument trays, remembering to check their packaging and indicators to confirm they’ve been sterilized. Be careful when handling these items to avoid damaging the sterile field.
After setting up the instruments and supplies, it’s time to get ready for the procedure. First, wash your hands carefully, ensuring to be thorough and extending up to your elbows. This might be followed by a surgical scrub, which is a more detailed cleaning routine to minimize the risk of infection.
The scrub is typically done in either a counted brush stroke method or a 5-minute scrub. Whichever method is used, the process involves several steps, from removing all jewelry to using a special brush to clean under your fingernails. Also, you would need to clean each individual finger, your palm, and the back of your hand.
After you’ve scrubbed in, it’s time to gown up. Open a gown and gloves for yourself on the mayo stand, and make sure to put them on correctly.
Once everything is prepared and you’re scrubbed and overdressed, you’re ready to start the procedure!
Possible Complications of Sterile Technique
Mistakes in following sterile procedures, or the presence of germs in sterile areas or supplies, can lead to issues after a medical procedure.
What Else Should I Know About Sterile Technique?
Using a clean and germ-free method can cut down the number of germs. This creates a germ-free area which helps to stop infections from occurring.