Gowns are sterile only from which areas?

Gowns are sterile only from which areas?

• A. Only in the front from chest to sterile field level, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs
• B. Front from chest to sterile field level only
• C. Front from chest to sterile field level, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs
• D. The back of the gown is sterile

Answer: (C)

Sterility on a gown is limited to the surfaces facing the sterile field. The front from the chest down to the level of the sterile field is considered sterile, and the sleeves are sterile from the elbow to the cuffs. The back of the gown is not sterile, since it is exposed to non-sterile surfaces and environmental contact. This arrangement helps keep the area that could contaminate the surgical field protected, while the parts most likely to touch the sterile area—the front and the lower portions of the sleeves—remain sterile.

Sterility on a gown is limited to the surfaces facing the sterile field. The front from the chest down to the level of the sterile field is considered sterile, and the sleeves are sterile from the elbow to the cuffs. The back of the gown is not sterile, since it is exposed to non-sterile surfaces and environmental contact. This arrangement helps keep the area that could contaminate the surgical field protected, while the parts most likely to touch the sterile area—the front and the lower portions of the sleeves—remain sterile.