Question: How is a sterile area maintained?

Answer: A sterile area is maintained by having only sterile items touch other sterile items.

Question: What are sterile fields?

Answer: Sterile fields are areas that are set up for procedures are made sure to be free of microorganisms. Usually, a tray covered with a small towel. The tray contains equipment and supplies for the procedure.

Question: How can items in a sterile field become contaminated?

Answer:

Question: How is a sterile package opened?

Answer: A sterile package is opened with ungloved hands only touching the outside of the package.

Question: What is the difference between sterile and non-sterile gloves?

Answer: Sterile gloves are packaged in individual sterile wraps, used when treating an open wound or during an invasive procedure. Non- sterile gloves are not packaged in individual sterile wraps and are used when workers remove a dressing or do a non-invasive procedure.

Question: When should sterile gloves be worn?

Answer: Sterile gloves should be worn when workers are treating an open wound or during an invasive procedure.

Question: How does putting on sterile gloves differ from putting on non-sterile gloves?

Answer: Putting on sterile gloves differs from putting on non-sterile gloves because sterile gloves come in a package so you have to remove them from the package first and they can not be contaminated at all.

Question: Describe how an autoclave works?

Answer: An autoclave is a machine that uses pressurized steam to kill microorganisms. In an autoclave under 15 pounds per square inch the boiling point of water increases from 212 F to 250 F.

Question: What materials can items be wrapped in before autoclaving?

Answer: Muslin, autoclave paper, and autoclave bags can have items wrapped in them before autoclaving.

Question: What are sterility indicators?

Answer: Sterility indicators are something used to ensure that items have been sterilized properly. Has chemical treated strips that change appearance when exposed to high temperatures for a specific amount of time. Placed in the center of a wrapped package.