What is sterile technique?

• A. Cleaning instruments with soap and water after use only.
• B. Doubling the use of gloves during any procedure.
• C. Methods used to prevent contamination by maintaining a sterile field and asepsis during procedures.
• D. Medication administration guidelines for sterile water.

Answer: (C)

Sterile technique is the set of practices used to prevent contamination during invasive procedures by maintaining a sterile field and asepsis. It involves proper hand hygiene, using sterile gloves and instruments, and keeping the area and all items within the sterile field free from microorganisms. The goal is to prevent infection by avoiding any transfer of contaminants during care, and if sterility is compromised, the field is reestablished to protect the patient. This goes beyond simply cleaning instruments after use or applying extra gloves, and it isn’t about guidelines for administering sterile fluids.