Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which action would violate aseptic technique?

1. Cuffing the hands within the drape

2. Sterile person reaching over sterile surface

3. Repositioning penetrating towel clip

4. Sterile surgical members passing face to face

The correct answer is: Repositioning penetrating towel clip

The action that would violate aseptic technique is the sterile person reaching over a sterile surface. Aseptic technique is essential in the surgical environment to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. This principle is grounded in the idea that sterile surfaces must remain uncontaminated; reaching over them can inadvertently introduce contaminants from the unsterile field. In surgical settings, any actions that could potentially compromise the integrity of sterile fields must be avoided. When a sterile person reaches over a sterile surface, they risk transferring contaminants from their hands or attire onto the sterile field, therefore breaching the critical aseptic barrier. The other scenarios involve practices that, while they could be considered delicate, do not immediately compromise the sterile field. For instance, cuffing the hands within the drape can be an acceptable practice to maintain the integrity of the drape. Repositioning a penetrating towel clip is a procedural adjustment that can typically be done without compromising sterility, provided care is taken. Lastly, sterile surgical members passing face to face is common in surgical environments, as they maintain their own sterile fields while being cautious not to touch the unsterile areas.