HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 13-4
Infection Control: Sterile Technique __RN
PURPOSE:
To perform sterile procedures in accordance with
infection control standards.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Items that are sterile are totally free of germs or
microorganisms. These items will always be
packaged to prevent contamination.
2. Provided the packaging is not damaged, wet, soiled,
discolored, or stained, the item will be considered
sterile indefinitely unless there is a specific
expiration date noted on the item.
3. Storage of sterile items must be in a clean, dry, dust
free environment to prevent contamination of the
supply when opening the package.
4. Such items could include dressings, IV supplies,
catheters and catheter supplies, tubing, solutions for
feeding, intravenous, wound care, irrigation, etc.
5. Once sterile solutions are opened, they must be
dated and discarded at established intervals.
EQUIPMENT:
Sterile gloves
Sterile tray or items for procedure to be performed.
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Inspect all packaging. If damaged, wet, or stained,
do not use the items. Verify that the sterility has not
expired.
3. Inspect all bottles or solution bags for signs of
contamination. This includes chips, tears, cracks,
cloudiness, discoloration, or solid items floating
inside, no matter how small.
4. When opening the item take extreme care to make
sure the inside does not touch anything on the
outside.
5. Do not touch any sterile item with your hands.
Always wear sterile gloves before touching sterile
items. (See Donning Sterile Gloves, No. 14.05.)
6. Always place sterile items only on a sterile surface.
This may include a separate sterile tray or cloth
(may be paper). The inside of the sterile package
can be used as the sterile surface, if it has not
touched a non-sterile item.
7. Perform sterile procedure.
8. Dispose of soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
AFTER CARE:
Document procedure performed in patient's record.
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