All objects used in a sterile field must be sterile
A sterile object becomes non-sterile when touched by a non-sterile object
Sterile items that are below the waist level, or items held below waist level, are considered to be non-sterile
Sterile fields must always be kept in sight to be considered sterile
When opening sterile equipment and adding supplies to a sterile field, take care to avoid contamination
Any puncture, moisture, or tear that passes through a sterile barrier must be considered contaminated
Once a sterile field is set up, the border of one inch at the edge of the sterile drape is considered non-sterile
If there is any doubt about the sterility of an object, it is considered non-sterile
Sterile persons or sterile objects may only contact sterile areas; non-sterile persons or items contact only non-sterile areas
Movement around and in the sterile field must not compromise or contaminate the sterile field
