A medical assistant is setting up a sterile field for a minor surgical procedure. Which action contaminates the sterile field?
- A.Opening a sterile package by peeling back the edges without touching the inner contents
- B.Placing a sterile item onto the sterile field by dropping it from the wrapper at a 6-inch height
- C.Reaching across the sterile field to reposition an instrument
- D.Keeping the sterile field at waist level or above
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
C. Reaching across the sterile field to reposition an instrument
Rationale
C is correct: Reaching across a sterile field allows non-sterile clothing or skin to pass over the sterile items, introducing contamination. Instruments should be repositioned by approaching the field from the sides. A is incorrect: Peeling the outer wrapper without touching the inner sterile contents is the correct technique for maintaining sterility. B is incorrect: Dropping items from a height of 6 inches without touching the sterile field is an acceptable technique for transferring sterile items. D is incorrect: Keeping the sterile field at waist level or above is correct; the field is considered contaminated if it falls below waist level.
Key concepts