Sterile Procedures
LESSON 3: Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique
3-1
3-1. PRINCIPLES OF STERILE TECHNIQUE
Sterile technique refers to the way sterile materials are handled in order to keep them free of living microorganisms (germs). Sterile technique prevents contamination. Sterile technique is needed in any procedure involving contact with an open wound, breaking skin or mucous membrane, or entrance into a normally sterile body cavity. In the controlled setting of the operating room, sterile technique can be practiced exactly. The following three rules are the basis of the sterile technique.
a. An article is either sterile or contaminated.
b. A sterile article that has been touched by a contaminated article is no longer sterile.
c. Any sterile article that has become unintentionally wet or damp is no longer sterile.
