3 Tips for Maintaining a Sterile Operating Room
Many surgical procedures require a completely sterile operating room. This is also known as asepsis, or the absence of any infection or infectious materials. Asepsis is a crucial part of protecting both the patient and the doctors helping them. There are several techniques surgeons and other medical personnel use to create a sterile field during these kinds of procedures. Learn how to create these safe and sanitary environments with these tips for maintaining a sterile operating room.
Keep Sterile Tools and Equipment
In order for the operating room to remain sterile, all tools and equipment within it must be sanitary and safe. Packaged supplies will state whether it is sterile or not. If a product’s packaging is torn, leaking, or damaged in any way, you should no longer consider it clean or safe to use. Carefully sanitize all the essential equipment in your operating room that your staff and the patient will come into contact with. Once these areas are sterile, keep them that way by using gloves, keeping supplies clean, and holding your hands and tools above waist height.
Isolate the Sterile Field
One of the simplest tips for maintaining a sterile operating room is to practice isolation. Keep a border around the sterile area and keep all sterile objects within it. Only handle sterile items with other sterile equipment or gloves. Additionally, nonsterile individuals need to stay out of the sterile field. Someone should be watching this safe area at all times to ensure that no potential contaminators enter or infect the space.
Take Care Within the Sterile Field
Your behavior can also affect the operating room. Take care not to cough or sneeze in or over the sterile field. Keep the doors closed and minimize traffic in and out of the room. All workers should tie their hair back. Take care when reaching, handling equipment, and otherwise maneuvering in or around the area. By taking caution with your actions, you help eliminate any potential contamination or compromising of the sterile area.
