STERILE TECHNIQUE

1. Everything below the waist and above the axilla is considered nonsterile.
2. Sterility is a matter of certainty, not conjecture.
3. Your back is considered unsterile. Anything that is out of your sight is contaminated.
4. Moisture allows microorganisms to wick quickly and easily from one area to another.
5. All materials used as a part of the sterile field for an operation must be sterile.
6. Linen used in the operating room is usually dyed green. This helps toreduce the glare from lights, thus reducing fatigue and eyestrain.
7. Scrub attire should not be worn outside the surgical suite.
8. Items should be considered unsterile if there is doubt about their sterility.