- Great reference for this: Common Breaks in Sterile Techniques, published by the AORN Journal
- Common breaks
- Not noticing compromised packaging
- Not noticing moisture on or in the package
- Unsterile person touching the sterile field
- Outside, unsterile packaging, touching inside sterile packaging
- Not watching out for each other and letting each other know when compromised or almost compromised
- May work in the OR or help with sterile procedures on your unit
- In OR, you’re in different scrubs… most likely not in your unit however… may need to wear a gown if at bedside and helping
- For example, assisting an MD putting in a CVC
- In OR, you’re in different scrubs… most likely not in your unit however… may need to wear a gown if at bedside and helping
- Non-sterile people shouldn’t be within 12 inches of the sterile field