Preparing a Sterile Field Using a Commercially Prepared Sterile Kit or Tray

Goal: A sterile field is created without contamination, the contents of the package remain sterile, and the patient remains free of exposure to potential infection-causing microorganisms.

1. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

2. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient.

3. Check that the packaged kit or tray is dry and unopened. Also note expiration date, making sure that the date is still valid.

4. Select a work area that is waist level or higher.

5. Open the outside cover of the package and remove the kit or tray. Place in the center of the work surface, with the topmost flap positioned on the far side of the package.

6. Reach around the package and grasp the outer surface of the end of the topmost flap, holding no more than 1 inch from the border of the flap. Pull open away from the body, keeping the arm outstretched and away from the inside of the wrapper. Allow the wrapper to lie flat on the work surface.

7. Reach around the package and grasp the outer surface of the first side flap, holding no more than 1 inch from the border of the flap. Pull open to the side of the package, keeping the arm outstretched and away from the inside of the wrapper. Allow the wrapper to lie flat on the work surface.

8. Reach around the package and grasp the outer surface of the remaining side flap, holding no more than 1 inch from the border of the flap. Pull open to the side of the package, keeping the arm outstretched and away from the inside of the wrapper. Allow the wrapper to lie flat on the work surface. Excellent Satisfactory Needs Practice

9. Stand away from the package and work surface. Grasp the outer surface of the remaining flap closest to the body, holding not more than 1 inch from the border of the flap. Pull the flap back toward the body, keeping arm outstretched and away from the inside of the wrapper. Keep this hand in place. Use other hand to grasp the wrapper on the underside (the side that is down to the work surface). Position the wrapper so that when flat, edges are on the work surface, and do not hang down over sides of work surface. Allow the wrapper to lie flat on the work surface.

10. The outer wrapper of the package has become a sterile field with the packaged supplies in the center. Do not touch or reach over the sterile field. Place additional sterile items on field as needed. Refer to Skill 4-5. Continue with the procedure as indicated.

11. When procedure is completed, remove PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.