To use a prepackaged sterile kit, make sure that the kit is intact. Apply the appropriate personal protective equipment if needed, then check the expiration date. Perform hand hygiene, then put the sterile kit on a clean, dry, flat work surface at a height that's above your waist. To prepare a sterile work surface using a sterile commercial kit or pack containing sterile items, put the sterile kit or pack on the work surface. Open the outside dust cover, take out the kit and place it on the work surface. Discard the dust cover properly. Hold on to the outer surface of the point of the outermost fold. Open that fold away from your body, making sure your arm is extended and away from the sterile field. Don't touch any part of the sterile wrap except for the one inch border around the edge. This section is considered contaminated. Next, grab on to the outer surface of the point of the first side fold. Using your other hand, do this action again with the second side fold, opening the second fold by pulling it to the side. Like the other side, let it fall on to the table. Do not place your arm over the sterile field. Now grab the outer surface of the point of the innermost fold of the package. Stand clear of the sterile package and pull that fold back, letting it fall. Now that you have opened the sterile kit properly, you can begin the procedure. Make sure to stay alert for any breaks in sterile technique. To maintain the sterile field, keep in mind the following principles: A sterile object is sterile only if objects touching it are also sterile. A sterile object becomes contaminated when it's touched by anything non-sterile. If a sterile object, including your hands, falls below your waist, both are considered contaminated. A sterile field becomes contaminated if moisture permeates the field. To help maintain a sterile field, do not reach across a sterile field. Never turn your back on a sterile field and never leave the room after you set up the sterile field. Throughout the procedure, look for any break in the sterile field. If a break does occur at any time, set up a new sterile field.
