Which is considered a sterile area in surgical gowns?

In surgical gowns, the sleeves are considered a sterile area. This is important for maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures. The sleeves are designed to provide a barrier that helps protect both the patient and the surgical team from potential contamination.

When wearing a surgical gown, the sleeves typically cover the arms and extend to the wrists, which are critical areas that can come into contact with sterile instruments or the surgical site. Sterility is maintained in these areas to minimize the risk of infection during surgery.

In contrast, areas such as the back, neckline, and waistband do not maintain sterility in the same manner. These regions are often exposed and can easily come into contact with non-sterile surfaces or personnel, making them non-sterile areas within the context of the operating room. Understanding the sterile areas of surgical gowns is crucial for effective infection control practices.