Which action is appropriate to maintain sterility during sterile technique?

• A. Touching the sterile field with sterile gloves.
• B. Touching the sterile field with nonsterile gloves.
• C. Opening sterile packages toward the field.
• D. Placing contaminated items on the sterile field.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining sterility hinges on keeping the sterile field free from contaminants, so only sterile surfaces should contact it. Touching the sterile field with sterile gloves is appropriate because the gloves themselves are sterile and designed for direct contact with sterile items, preserving the field’s integrity without introducing microbes. Using nonsterile gloves would transfer microorganisms to the field and contaminate it. Placing contaminated items on the sterile field violates the principle of keeping the field clean. Opening sterile packages toward the field is risky because outer packaging or any nonsterile surfaces could contact the sterile contents; the usual practice is to open away from the field to prevent this. In short, touching the sterile field with sterile gloves maintains sterility by preventing transfer of contamination.