Welcome to our lesson on the sterile field in operating theatres! In the operating theatre, it is important to maintain a sterile environment to minimize the risk of infection. One way to do this is by establishing a sterile field, which is an area that is designated as being free of contaminants. ​ The sterile field is usually marked by a blue square on the floor and is typically located around the surgical site. Only staff who are scrubbed in and wearing sterile attire should enter the sterile field unless it is necessary for other staff to do so. This helps to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the success of the surgery. It is for this reason that scrubbing into operations is valuable even if you do not assist as you will be allow much closer to the surgical site if you are scrubbed in compared to when you are wearing your usual ward scrubs. ​ In addition to the sterile field on the floor, there are also sterile drapes that are used to cover the patient and create a sterile area around the surgical site. These drapes are usually blue in colour and should only be touched by staff who are scrubbed in and wearing sterile attire. ​ It is important to note that the head end of the patient is usually not considered part of the sterile field due to the air particles that are released from intubated patients. Staff who are scrubbed in should avoid going to the head end of the patient to minimise the risk of contamination. There is often a sterile drape that is used as a divider between the head of the patient and the surgical team. ​ In summary, the sterile field is an important aspect of maintaining a sterile environment in the operating theatre. It is marked by a square on the floor and should only be entered by staff who are scrubbed in and wearing sterile attire. The head end of the patient is usually not considered part of the sterile field and should be avoided by scrubbed in staff.