{"id":218,"date":"2022-11-23T16:03:02","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T16:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perioperative1001.slc-courses.ca\/?p=218"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:52:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T15:52:24","slug":"module-4-d-establishing-the-sterile-field-with-surgical-drapes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/perioperative1001.slc-courses.ca\/?p=218","title":{"rendered":"Module 4: D. Establishing the Sterile Field with Surgical Drapes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Establishing the Sterile Field with Surgical Drapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The surgical team creates a \u2018sterile field\u2019 by applying sterile surgical drapes over the patient and any surrounding equipment or surfaces that scrubbed personnel may <\/a>encounter. The drape which covers the patient is placed in such a manner that the surgical site which has been \u2018prepped<\/a>,\u2019 is the only skin surface that is exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each surgical procedure is slightly different and may require <\/a>distinctive styles, shapes, or combinations of drapes. Surgical drapes come in many different configurations. They can be disposable or reusable. Learn more about reusable and disposable drapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(King & Spry, 2019; ORNAC, 2021)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Selecting and Ordering the Perfect Drapes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Whether reusable or disposable, ORNAC standards recommend that perioperative personnel look for the following qualities when purchasing surgical drapes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Review barrier properties <\/a>including fluid resistance (strikethrough) and tear\/puncture resistance.<\/li>
  2. They should be lint-free or low-linting.<\/li>
  3. They should be antistatic.<\/li>
  4. They should prevent the buildup of heat.<\/li>
  5. They should have a dull or nonglare surface.<\/li>
  6. They should be free of toxins.<\/li>
  7. They should be flame resistant.<\/li>
  8. They should be malleable.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    (ORNAC, 2021)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Surgeon Selection of Surgical Drape<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    When selecting a specific drape for a surgical procedure, a surgeon will consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. The location of the incision.<\/li>
    2. The size of the incision.<\/li>
    3. The size of the sterile field.<\/li>
    4. The number of scrubbed personnel.<\/li>
    5. The type of surgical equipment and instruments that are required in the surgical field.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      (ORNAC, 2021)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Considerations When Draping<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      Scrubbed personnel must be meticulous with their sterile technique when establishing the sterile field with drapes. Specific considerations for scrubbed personnel when placing drapes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Handling the drapes as little as possible.<\/li>
      2. Maintaining the drapes at waist level until placed.<\/li>
      3. Using the cuff technique to protect gloved hands within the drape when placing on the patient or handing off the edge.<\/li>
      4. Not flipping, fanning or shaking drapes.<\/li>
      5. Always draping the area closest to the incision first and moving away to the periphery after.<\/li>
      6. Securing the drapes with non-perforating clips.<\/li>
      7. Avoid moving the drapes or adjusting them after they have been placed.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        If there is any concern about contamination when placing drapes, the drapes and scrubbed personnel are considered contaminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        (ORNAC, 2021; King & Spry, 2019)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        Standard Drape Set Up<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

        Because every surgical procedure is unique, there is no standard setup. You will find that within a facility or with a specific surgeon, there are set preferences and protocols for the cases that are being performed. In <\/a>general, there are a few considerations that one must always follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. A full sheet is used to cover back tables, instrument tables, body regions not being operated on, and equipment near the surgical field.<\/li>
        2. These sheets must cover the surface and provide a margin of safety between the surgical field and other equipment.<\/li>
        3. These drapes can be impervious, semi-impermeable, and come in <\/a>diverse sizes and configurations<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          Watch this video for an example of draping for a laparotomy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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