With an increasing number of surgical procedures being booked around the nation, the need for standardized and effective sterilization procedures has grown dramatically. Sterilization is necessary to prevent instrument contamination and surgical site infections that are caused by contamination. Surgical technicians, often referred to as surgical technologists, are responsibility for sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment prior to the procedure. A number of different activities play an important role in keeping the operation room sterile and free of contamination. Understand how disinfection, sterilization, environmental cleaning, antibiotic prophylaxis, asepsis and aseptic practices have a direct impact on reducing the risk of surgical site infection in patients.
Sterilizing instruments, floors, operating tables and hands are extremely important. While all of these activities are standard in the operating room, the process of asepsis and aseptic practices has significantly decreased the occurrence of surgical site infections in patients. When these practices and standards are adopted in the operating room, the entire surgical team can deliver quality surgeries and care for their patients by preventing microorganisms from contaminating the actual site of the wound. While surgical technicians are responsible for these practices, it is important for the entire surgical team to receive training on these practices to ensure they understand the importance of these principles.
Roles of Sterile and Non-Sterile Team Members
Surgical teams consist of both sterile and non-sterile surgical members. Scrubbed personnel, otherwise known as sterile team members, work directly with the surgical field. Non-sterile members still wear scrubs, however, they work on the outskirts of the surgical field and do not require a sterile gown and mask with bacterial barriers. Once sterile team members don their surgical gown they should not come into contact with non-sterile team members. This is because the sterile qualities of surgical gowns are limited to protect team members directly in the surgical field.
Sterile Drapes in the Operating Room
Sterile drapes play a vital role in the operating room. These drapes provide an aseptic barrier preventing or minimizing the passage of microorganisms in the sterile field. Drapes should placed on furniture in the operating room, the patient, and equipment. The only site that should be exposed is the site where the incision will be made. The position of the drapes is important. They should not be moved or rearranged during the procedure.
Sterile Field Should Be Monitored and Maintained Throughout the Entire Procedure
Surgical technicians and registered surgical nurses should be present to monitor and maintain the sterile field at all times during the surgery. It is the team’s effort to reduce the likelihood of contamination by preventing breaches of sterility. If breaches of sterility do happen, the team members should take action immediately.
These are just a few of the many principles and standards operating room team members should follow. Each standard has a purpose in preventing site infection. If team members practice these sterilization techniques, microorganisms will not transfer into the surgical wound. Provide an optimum level of care to your patients and put every effort into preventing operating room contamination.