Which practice helps maintain a sterile field when multiple hemostats are used?

Which practice helps maintain a sterile field when multiple hemostats are used?

• A. Pass one instrument at a time, maintain clean fields, and avoid exposing more than necessary
• B. Pass several at once to speed up the procedure
• C. Remove gloves after passing
• D. Use non-sterile instruments for passing

Answer: (A)

Sterile field integrity is maintained by controlled, single-item exchanges of instruments. When multiple hemostats are used, pass one instrument at a time, keep the field clean, and expose only the instrument being handed to the recipient. This reduces the risk that contaminants are introduced by exposing additional items or surfaces and allows the receiving team member to maintain control of a sterile handoff. Passing several at once increases exposure of non-sterile surfaces and the instruments themselves, raising the chance of contamination. Removing gloves after passing or using non-sterile instruments in the sterile field both violate sterile technique and create opportunities for infection.

Sterile field integrity is maintained by controlled, single-item exchanges of instruments. When multiple hemostats are used, pass one instrument at a time, keep the field clean, and expose only the instrument being handed to the recipient. This reduces the risk that contaminants are introduced by exposing additional items or surfaces and allows the receiving team member to maintain control of a sterile handoff. Passing several at once increases exposure of non-sterile surfaces and the instruments themselves, raising the chance of contamination. Removing gloves after passing or using non-sterile instruments in the sterile field both violate sterile technique and create opportunities for infection.