After completing this study guide and viewing the accompanying video, the perioperative registered nurse (RN) and other perioperative team members will have increased their knowledge of evidence-based, best practices for sterile technique. The perioperative RN will be able to apply these practices in the clinical setting to help minimize the risk for surgical site infections and to promote patient safety.

Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

• Discuss the rationale for using sterile technique to establish the sterile field
• Perform surgical hand antisepsis and don sterile surgical attire before preparing the sterile field
• Use sterile drapes to establish the sterile field
• Implement appropriate isolation techniques
• Transfer items to the sterile field
• Maintain the sterile field