How should a doorway be controlled to maintain a sterile field during surgery?

• A. Keep the doorway open to maintain rapid access.
• B. Minimize door openings; use pass-through windows or sterile drapes; if the door must open, ensure sterile field integrity is maintained.
• C. Install a curtain instead of a door.
• D. Use automatic doors with no monitoring.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining the sterile field relies on limiting disruptions to the controlled OR environment. Opening a doorway sends air currents that can carry bacteria and particulates from outside into the surgical area, increasing the chance of contamination and compromising the sterile barrier. Therefore, keep door openings to a minimum and use methods that allow access without breaking sterility, such as pass-through windows or sterile drapes for transfers. If a door must open, ensure the sterile field remains intact by coordinating passes, keeping movements to a minimum, and ensuring the door is closed promptly to restore the controlled environment. Any breach should be promptly addressed to preserve sterility.