Which statement best describes a sterile field?

• A. A sterile field is a clean surface that never requires protection.
• B. A sterile field is freely tallied by non-scrubbed personnel at all times.
• C. A sterile field is the area prepared with aseptic technique that remains free of microorganisms.
• D. A sterile field can be contaminated if gloves touch non-sterile surfaces.

Answer: (C)

A sterile field is the area prepared with aseptic technique that remains free of microorganisms. This boundary is created with sterile drapes, sterile instruments, and sterile gloves, and it must be protected from any contact with non-sterile surfaces or people. The key is maintaining sterility throughout the procedure; any breach—such as moisture, contact with non-sterile surfaces, or non-sterile personnel touching the field—compromises it and requires corrective action. While contamination can occur if gloves touch non-sterile surfaces, the essential idea is that the sterile field is an area established and held under aseptic technique that stays free of microorganisms, not merely a clean surface.