Page 109 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

7. Once supplies are opened they should not be left unattended. Sterile set-ups should
not be covered for future use.
8. Non sterile person should not reach over the sterile field. Sterile persons should not
reach over non sterile areas.
9. Fabric or paper wrapped sterile items which are dropped on the floor should be
considered non sterile and should not be used.
10. Once the patient has entered the theatre where sterile supplies have been opened,
those supplies may only be used on that particular patient. These supplies should
be discarded in the event of cancellation.

11. Large bundles of packages should be opened on a flat surface and not while holding
it in the hand.
12. Opened sterile bottles should be used for only one patient. The entire contents of
bottle should be dispensed or the remainder discarded.
13. Care should be taken when pouring solutions to avoid splashing. The scrub nurse
should hold the edge of the table so that circulating nurse need not reach over the
sterile field to pour. The solution should be poured in a slow steady stream.

6.3.16 Maintaining the Sterile Field
1. Precautions should be taken to prevent moisture contamination and subsequent
strike-through by using water resistant materials.

2. The scrub team should remain close to and face the sterile field. Movement is only
from sterile to sterile areas. When changing positions the scrub personnel will pass
front to front or back to back. They should avoid changing levels, they either sit or
stand. Talking should be kept to a minimum. Scrub personnel should not lean on
sterile areas.
3. The unscrubbed team should remain at least one foot (30cm) from the sterile field.
Movement is from non sterile to non sterile area. They should not pass between
sterile areas.
4. Breaks in aseptic technique should be monitored, documented and corrective action
taken as soon as possible.
5. A sterile field is maintained by:
• Placing only sterile items within the sterile field.
• Opening, dispensing, or transferring sterile items without contaminating them.
• Considering items located below the level of the draped client to be non sterile.
• Not allowing sterile personnel to reach across non sterile areas or vice versa or to
touch non sterile items.
• Recognizing and maintaining the service provider’s sterile area.
• When gowned this area extends from chest to the level of the sterile field; sleeves
are sterile from 5 cm above the elbow to the cuff. The neckline, shoulders, and
back are considered to be non sterile areas of the gown.

98 Ministry of Health Malaysia