g. The edge of a cover that encloses sterile contents is not considered sterile.
Such covers include the edges of wrappers on sterile packages, the caps on solution
flasks, and test-tube covers. No definite line separates the sterile from the unsterile
area at the edge of the cover; therefore, the edge is considered unsterile.
(1) The scrub should lift contents from packages by reaching for them with
the arm straight out and lifting the items straight up--with the elbow held high throughout
the procedure (see figure. 1-27).
(2) The circulator lifts the cap from a solution flask or test tube so that the
edge of the cap never touches the lip.
(NOTE: Caps are not replaced)
The entire contents are dispensed and any excess solution is discarded.
(3) When a circulator opens a package, his hands are placed under the cuff
to provide a protected wide margin of safety between the inside of the sterile pack and
the unsterile hands. When a sterile article that is wrapped sequentially in two wrappers
with the corners folded toward the center of the article is opened, the circulator opens
the corner farthest from his body first and the corner nearest his body last.
h. "Sterile" team members keep well within the sterile area. The scrub should
allow a wide margin of safety when passing unsterile areas. The scrub as well as all
other "sterile" team members should observe the following practices:
(1) "Sterile" team members should stand back at a safe distance from the
operating table while draping the patient.
(2)
"Sterile" team members should pass each other back-to-back.
(3) A "sterile" team member should turn his back to an "unsterile" person or
area when passing.
(4)
A "sterile" team member should face a sterile area when passing.
(5) "Sterile" team members should stay near the sterile tables when waiting
for a case to begin. They should not wander about the room nor go out into the
corridor.
MD0923
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