What is the purpose of using pass-through windows or sterile drapes at doorways?

• A. They are never used in the OR.
• B. They only allow non-sterile transfer.
• C. They help maintain sterility by reducing contamination while allowing passage.
• D. They replace door seals.

Answer: (C)

Pass-through devices are used to protect the sterile field while items are moved between the OR and the clean area. By creating a controlled transfer point, they limit door openings and reduce air currents that can carry contaminants into the sterile zone. This allows sterile instruments, supplies, or specimens to pass through without fully opening doors, helping maintain sterility during transfer. They do not replace door seals, which are still important for maintaining room integrity; instead, pass-throughs complement them by providing a safer, controlled passage. They are specifically about transferring sterile items, not about single-purpose non-sterile transfer.