Is the back of the gown sterile?

[Lorodz]

I have been in the theatres for years and this is a bit embarrassing to ask but I'll ask anyway.

In Australia, we gowns like

. So my question goes, is the back of the gown sterile?

Some people tell me that it is, others tell it isn't I am not sure if the guidelines have been changed since I graduated from nursing school.

Can someone please tell me the answer and the rationale? thanks so much!

[WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN]

I'm short on time so can't find the picture of the sterile areas of the gown when worn, but no, the back is not sterile, just as the level below the waist isn't...

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

A good rule of thumb is; if you can not see it, it is not sterile.

[WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN]

http://home.earthlink.net/~murphyl/sterile-field.jpg

[Lorodz]

Thanks for the replies guys. Clarified this with the theatre educator and told me that the back of the gown is unsterile. That would contradict what the orthopaedic surgeon told me. LOL. thanks

[WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN]

That would contradict what the orthopaedic surgeon told me. LOL. thanks

In my experience, the surgeon will know what they need know to perform the surgery, but not necessarily what it takes to maintain the sterile field... which is why we're there to monitor what goes on during the case to call out breaks in sterility during the case... not because we're smarter or because the surgeon doesn't care, but rather because we're a team and we all share the responsibility of keeping the patient safe.

[offlabel]

That would contradict what the orthopaedic surgeon told me. LOL. thanks

Hah! Orthopedic surgeons think there is a 3 foot sterile field in all directions.

[WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN]

Hah! Orthopedic surgeons think there is a 3 foot sterile field in all directions.

And don't let the radiology tech give them the pedal to the C-ARM... they'll forget they're stepping on it and you'll be glowing by the end of the case, lol...

[scrubulator]

A good rule of thumb is; if you can not see it, it is not sterile.

Also, the armpits are not sterile on the gown, nor is the neck area