What is the correct sequence for performing a sterile scrub, donning a sterile gown, and applying sterile gloves?

• A. Perform hand antisepsis; dry hands; don sterile gown using sterile technique; don sterile gloves without contaminating the sterile field.
• B. Don sterile gloves first; perform hand antisepsis; dry hands; don sterile gown.
• C. Put on gloves, then gown, then scrub hands.
• D. Disinfect the room surface before starting.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a sterile field starts with reducing the initial microbial load on the hands, then protecting that clean state as you dress. The correct flow is to perform hand antisepsis, dry the hands, don a sterile gown using sterile technique, and then don sterile gloves. This order keeps the gown as the first barrier to contamination and ensures the gloving step is done without touching nonsterile areas, so the hands remain sterile when they are finally covered by the gloves.

Putting gloves on first would mean handling sterile items with unprepared hands, and attempting to scrub or adjust items after gloves are on disrupts sterile technique. Donning the gown before gloves is essential because the gown provides the barrier needed while you apply the gloves. Disinfecting the room surface is important for overall safety but is not part of the surgeon’s sequence for dressing into sterile attire.