Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Maintaining a distance of 12 inches from unsterile items is critical for the sterile scrub person in the operating room. This distance helps to ensure that the sterile field is not contaminated. The rationale behind this specific distance is that airborne contaminants can settle and may compromise the sterility of instruments, drapes, and other sterile items if a scrubbed person gets too close. Keeping a distance of 12 inches creates a buffer zone that minimizes the risk of transfer of pathogens from unsterile items to sterile surfaces. This practice is guided by the principles of maintaining sterility and minimizing infection risk in surgical procedures. In contrast, distances shorter than 12 inches can significantly increase the likelihood of contamination. While longer distances might provide even more safety, the established guideline of maintaining at least 12 inches is widely accepted in surgical practice as a balance between practicality and safety.