Which action best maintains a sterile field while moving around it?

• A. Reaching over sterile areas.
• B. Moving slowly and predictably.
• C. Touching sterile items with non-sterile gloves.
• D. Allowing non-sterile personnel to handle sterile items.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a sterile field relies on controlled, deliberate movement to prevent air currents and accidental contact that could contaminate sterile items. Moving slowly and predictably around the field minimizes turbulence, gives the team time to monitor sterility, and reduces the chance of brushing or knocking contaminated surfaces. Reaching over sterile areas can drop organisms or transfer contaminants into the sterile zone. Touching sterile items with non-sterile gloves transfers microbes and violates sterile technique. Allowing non-sterile personnel to handle sterile items introduces additional contamination risk and undermines the field’s integrity.