Which of the following is NOT a common sterile field breach?

• A. Contamination of gloves
• B. Reaching over sterile field
• C. Prolonged exposure to non-sterile environment
• D. Hand hygiene performed before entering sterile field

Answer: (D)

Maintaining a sterile field relies on preventing any thing or action that could introduce microbes into the sterile area. Breaches happen when contamination can occur, such as if gloves themselves become contaminated, because those hands can transfer organisms to instruments or the field. Reaching over the sterile area breaks the barrier and risks droplets or objects from nonsterile surfaces coming into contact with the sterile zone. Prolonged exposure to a nonsterile environment increases the chance that airborne particles or surface microbes settle onto sterile items, compromising sterility. Performing hand hygiene before entering the sterile field, on the other hand, reduces the microbial load and is a standard practice to protect sterility rather than compromise it. So the only option that is not a breach is the hand hygiene step, since it supports maintaining sterility.