What is the recommended practice for moving around the sterile field?

• A. Move slowly and predictably.
• B. Move quickly to minimize the time.
• C. Reach over sterile areas to access items.
• D. Only sterile personnel touch sterile items.

Answer: (A)

Moving around the sterile field should be slow and predictable to minimize disturbances that could breach sterility. When actions are deliberate and steady, air currents, drape shifts, and glove contact with non-sterile areas are less likely, and teammates can anticipate your movements to maintain the sterile zone. Quick or erratic movement increases turbulence and the chance of accidental contamination or dislodging sterile items. Reaching over sterile areas is a direct risk to the sterile field, so the emphasis is on how you move rather than how fast you think you should complete tasks.