Page 108 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

4. Sterile drapes are positioned over the patient in such a way that only minimal area of
skin around the incision site is exposed.
5. Drape maybe reusable or disposable. Criteria of drape must be water resistant, lint
free, flame resistant and able to provide an effective barrier to prevent passage of
microorganism from non-sterile to sterile area.

6.3.14. Establishing a Sterile Field
1. All items used in the sterile field must be sterile.
2. A sterilization indicator (tape) must be applied to each sterile package /item used.
Where penetration is of concern, a chemical indicator should be inserted into each
Packet.
3. All tables and flat surfaces must be dry dust free prior to the placement of sterile
bundles and /or supplies.
4. The instrument table is draped with a repellent drape prior to the placement of
instrument and supplies. The instrument table is considered sterile only at top level.
5. All draped tables should be moved by the circulating nurse whose hands should be
placed below the drape, on the table leg.
6. Ring stands if used, must be draped with a water repellent drape. When the scrub
nurse moves the ring stand, she does so by placing her hands inside the basin.
7. The gown is considered sterile from axilla level to the table level in front only and
from the elbow to the stockinette cuff. The gown should have a barrier front and
sleeves. Wrap around gowns should be turned by a sterile person. If a sterile instrument
is used by a non sterile person to turn the gown, the instrument should be discarded
after use.

6.3.15 Dispensing of the Sterile Supplies
1. Supplies should be opened as close as possible to the time that the surgical procedure
is to commence.

2. Each package is checked for the expiry date and wrapper integrity prior to opening.
Fabric and paper wrapper items should be use within one month, heat sealed
packages for up to one year and commercial items as stated on the package. (to
check for integrity of the pack and indicator on pack)
3. The edges of envelope wrapped packages are opened away from circulating nurse
with corners secured before presenting it to the scrub nurse.

4. Peel back packages should be carefully opened to ensure proper adhesive separation
and prevent tearing of the package.
5. The scrub nurse should take each item directly from the package held by the circulating
nurse. Careful placement of items on the sterile field is acceptable if the hand of the
circulating nurse is covered by the wrap and does not extend over the sterile field.
6. Sterile supplies are handled as little as possible and once positioned should not be
moved and / or shifted.

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