Which action would be considered a breach of sterile technique during draping?

• A. Handling sterile drapes with sterile gloves.
• B. Routinely folding and repositioning drapes.
• C. Contaminated drapes coming into contact with sterile gloves.
• D. Discarding drapes after placement.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a sterile field means only sterile surfaces touch each other. A breach happens when a contaminated surface comes into contact with sterile gloves, because the non-sterile drape would transfer microorganisms to the gloves and into the field, compromising sterility and increasing infection risk.

Handling sterile drapes with sterile gloves is exactly how you keep the field sterile, so this action supports maintaining sterility. Discarding drapes after placement is standard practice to remove used material and prevent contamination from lingering drapes in the field. Routine folding and repositioning of drapes isn’t inherently a breach if done within the sterile field and with sterile gloves, though it should be performed carefully to avoid exposing sterile surfaces to non-sterile contacts.