Scrubbing, Gowning, & Gloving

Question 1

12 Principles of Aseptic Technique

Answer 1

Sterile items used within the sterile field
Sterile persons are gowned & gloved
Tables are sterile only at table level
Sterile persons touch only sterile items or areas
Unsterile persons avoid reaching over the sterile field
The edges of anything that encloses sterile contents are considered unsterile
Sterile field is created right before use
Sterile areas are always kept in view
Sterile persons keep within the sterile area
Sterile persons keep contact with sterile areas to a minimum
Unsterile persons avoid sterile areas
Destruction of integrity of microbial barriers results in contamination

Question 2

What is considered contaminated?

Answer 2

Sterile package in contaminated area
Uncertain about timing or operation of sterilizer
Unsterile person comes into close contact with sterile table
Sterile table or items not under constant supervision
Integrity of packaging is not intact
Sterile package becomes damp or wet
Sterile package drops on the floor or other areas of questionable cleanliness

Question 3

Sterile Persons Gowned & Gloved

Answer 3

Self-Downing & gloving
Stockinette cuffs enclosed beneath sterile gloves
Sterile persons keep hands in sight at all times
Hands away from the face, elbows close to sides
Back of gown = contaminated
Gown considered sterile to highest level of the sterile tables

Question 4

Tables are Sterile Only at the Table Level

Answer 4

Top of sterile, draped table is sterile

Anything falling below the table edge is unsterile

Question 5

Sterile Persons Touch Only Sterile Items or Areas

Answer 5

Sterile persons maintain contact with sterile field
Unsterile circulator doesn’t contact sterile field directly
Supplies brought to sterile persons by circulator

Question 6

Unsterile Persons Avoid Reaching Over the Sterile Field

Answer 6

Circulator never reaches over sterile field to transfer sterile items
Only lip of bottle over basin when pouring a solution to avoid reaching over sterile area
Scrub person sets basins/glasses to be filled at edge of sterile table

Question 7

Edges of Anything that Encloses Sterile Contents are Considered Unsterile

Answer 7

Inside of wrapper considered sterile to within 1 inch of the edges
Sterile persons lift contents from packages
Contents of sterile bottles are used or discarded

Question 8

Sterile Field is Created as Close as Possible to the Time of Use

Answer 8

Tables set up just prior to procedure
Can not uncover a table of sterile contents without contamination
Covered table not under constant supervision

Question 9

Sterile Areas are Continuously Kept in View

Answer 9

Sterile persons face sterile areas

Someone must remain in room to maintain direct observation of sterile areas

Question 10

Sterile Persons Keep Well Within the Sterile Area

Answer 10

Stand back from operating bed when draping patient
Pass each other back to back
Turn backs to an unsterile person or area when passing
Face sterile area to pass it
Ask unsterile individual to step aside rather than risk contamination
Stay within the sterile field
Movement within/around sterile area kept to a minimum

Question 11

Sterile Persons Keep Contact with Sterile Areas to a Minimum

Answer 11

Do not lean on sterile tables or draped patient

Sitting or leaning against unsterile surface = break in technique

Question 12

Unsterile Persons Avoid Sterile Areas

Answer 12

Maintain distance of at least 1 foot from any area of sterile field
Face & observe a sterile area when passing to make sure they don’t touch it
Never walk between 2 sterile areas
Circulator restricts to a minimum all activity near the sterile field

Question 13

Destruction of the Integrity of Microbial Barriers Results in Contamination

Answer 13

Sterile packages laid on dry surfaces only
If sterile package in absorbent material & it’s wet/damp, it’s discarded
Drapes placed on dry field
Sterile items stored in clean, dry areas
Sterile packages handled with clean, dry hands

Question 14

Define the Surgical Scrub

Answer 14

Process of removing as many microorganisms as possible from the hands & arms by mechanical washing & chemical antisepsis before participating in a surgical procedure

Question 15

Surgical Scrub Washing Procedure

Answer 15

Wet hands & forearms
Apply antiseptic agent
Wash hands & arms thoroughly to 2” above elbows
Rinse with hands upward
Allow water to drip from flexed elbows
Sterile brush or sponge & apply antiseptic agent
Scrub each finger, nail, & hands
Clean under nails with nail cleaner
Scrub each finger, nail, & hand with brush
Final rinse
Reapply antimicrobial agent & wash hands & arms
Rinse hands & arms

Question 16

Surgical Scrub Drying Procedure

Answer 16

Pick up towel without dripping on package

Dry both hands & arms separately starting at the hands with different parts of towel

Question 17

Gowning Technique

Answer 17

Lift folded gown
Step away from table
Locate neckline
Hold inside of gown & allow it to drop
Hold hands at should level
Put gown on
Circulator helps to secure gown
Leave hands in cuffs

Question 18

Gloving by the Closed Glove Technique

Answer 18

Pick up glove by grasping the folded cuff
Place glove on forearm with fingers pointing towards self & thumb down
Turn glove over hand
Pull glove over underlying gown
Adjust gown & glove