Sterile Techniques

Sterile is a designation applied to any surface or field that has been cleaned so that all pathogens and their spores have been killed. Disinfection and sanitation are lesser designations and are appropriate for many setting, but if any body may be open via cut, scrape or wound, sterile techniques should be used.

The Autoclave

• Instruments to be used for surgery, even extremely minor surgery, are either disposable or must be sterilized in an autoclave. The autoclave uses heat and water pressure to kill all pathogens and their spores. Instruments are packed into small groups surrounded by a textured cloth or bag. An indicator strip is placed inside to verify the sterilization. Hinged instruments are put into an open position so they can be completely cleaned. The packs are taped with indicator tape and put into an autoclave where they are heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and put under 15 PSI (pounds per square inch). When removed, the packets will be considered sterile for four weeks.

The Mayo Stand

• The waist-high medical table on wheels that you see in a doctor's office for a minor procedure is called a Mayo stand. After washing hands and gloving, the stand is sterilized using cotton or pad soaked in alcohol and it is cleaned using a circular motion from inside to outside. A sterile cloth is laid out on the stand and then the sterilized instruments are opened from either an autoclaved packet or a fresh use package that contains disposable instruments. Everything from the Mayo stand up is considered the sterile field.

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

• After washing hands and gloving, a sterile paper gown is put on, opening to the back. Face shields or protective eyewear are worn and the person is now sterile and can work without disturbing the sterile field. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be removed and all disposables should be put into Sharps containers, bio-hazard waste cans or regular trash, depending on whether they are sharp (like a needle or scalpel), Bio-Hazard waste if they are contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, or regular trash.