Which rule of asepsis applies to the placement of the surgical drape?

• A. Handle drapes with as much movement as you need to ensure proper placement
• B. When placing a drape, do not touch the patient's body
• C. After a drape has been placed, shift or move the drape to make a good fit for the patient and the procedure
• D. Use towel clamps to secure drapes

Answer: (B)

Preserving the sterile field is the main idea behind draping. The patient’s skin can carry microorganisms, and any contact between a drape and the body with non-sterile surfaces risks transferring microbes into the sterile area or contaminating the drape itself. So, when placing a drape, do not touch the patient’s body; handle the drape with sterile technique so its sterile surface remains oriented toward the field and the incision area is protected. Once in position, avoid moving the drape, as shifting can disrupt the barrier and introduce contamination. Using towel clamps to secure drapes is not standard practice for maintaining asepsis and can create injury or breach the sterile field.