Which action should be avoided to maintain sterility during gowning?

Which action should be avoided to maintain sterility during gowning?

• A. Shake the gown to open it.
• B. Clasp your hands together if waiting for something.
• C. Keep your hands below the waist.
• D. Moisture will help keep surfaces sterile.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining sterility during gowning depends on handling the gown without creating particles or air currents that could carry contaminants into the sterile field. Shaking the gown to open it should be avoided because it dislodges lint and other particles from the fabric and can generate air movement that may deposit contaminants on your gloves or on the sterile area. Instead, unfold the gown gently and let it fall open, touching only the inner sterile surfaces as you don it. Keeping your hands below the waist is not appropriate for maintaining sterility, since hands should stay in front and at about chest to shoulder height to avoid brushing non-sterile areas. Clasping your hands together isn’t necessary and can create awkward contact with surfaces or gloves. Moisture does not help maintain sterility; dry surfaces are required because moisture can transport or harbor microbes.

Maintaining sterility during gowning depends on handling the gown without creating particles or air currents that could carry contaminants into the sterile field. Shaking the gown to open it should be avoided because it dislodges lint and other particles from the fabric and can generate air movement that may deposit contaminants on your gloves or on the sterile area. Instead, unfold the gown gently and let it fall open, touching only the inner sterile surfaces as you don it.

Keeping your hands below the waist is not appropriate for maintaining sterility, since hands should stay in front and at about chest to shoulder height to avoid brushing non-sterile areas. Clasping your hands together isn’t necessary and can create awkward contact with surfaces or gloves. Moisture does not help maintain sterility; dry surfaces are required because moisture can transport or harbor microbes.