In maintaining a sterile field, what must non-sterile individuals do?

Maintaining a sterile field is crucial in any surgical or clinical environment to prevent infection and ensure the safety of the patient. Non-sterile individuals are expected to maintain a distance of at least 1 foot from the sterile field. This practice helps minimize the risk of contamination that could occur from the non-sterile person coming into close proximity with surfaces or instruments that are meant to remain sterile.

By keeping this distance, the integrity of the sterile field is upheld, preventing any potential pathogens or contaminants from being transferred from the non-sterile individual to the surgical area. It serves as a basic precaution in adhering to aseptic techniques.

The other options do not align with the standard policies for maintaining a sterile environment. Remaining seated at all times, for example, is not a universal requirement and may vary depending on specific protocols or circumstances. Avoiding the passing of instruments is a practice generally expected of non-sterile individuals, but it does not comprehensively address their movement relative to the sterile field. Wearing sterile gloves is typically a responsibility of sterile individuals, such as surgeons and nurses directly involved in the procedure, not non-sterile personnel.