What should a surgical technologist remember to avoid contamination once surgical gown and gloves are donned?

Maintaining a distance of 12 inches from the operating room (OR) table is crucial for preventing contamination after donning surgical gowns and gloves. This practice minimizes the risk of unintentional contact with non-sterile surfaces or instruments. The sterile field is a defined area that must remain free of any potential contaminants, and by keeping a safe distance, the surgical technologist reduces the chance of inadvertently touching or leaning over items that could compromise sterility.

In a sterile environment, every precaution must be taken to maintain the integrity of the sterile field. Approaching the table too closely or leaning over it can easily lead to the transfer of bacteria or other microorganisms from non-sterile areas into the sterile field.

Other choices suggest practices that do not align with sterile techniques. For instance, holding gowns by the collar only does not ensure sterility of the entire garment, while touching items on the Mayo stand freely disregards the essential practice of maintaining sterility. Leaning over the surgical field directly violates the sterile boundaries established in the OR. Hence, the focus on maintaining an appropriate distance is fundamental to sustaining the sterility required for a safe surgical procedure.