Which practice is essential for intraoperative infection control?

• A. Strict asepsis and sterile technique
• B. Reusing disposable gowns
• C. Delaying antibiotic prophylaxis
• D. Allowing non-sterile personnel in the operating room

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a sterile field and strict asepsis during surgery is essential to prevent surgical site infections. The goal is to keep the wound, instruments, and surrounding area free from contaminants throughout the procedure. This requires meticulous hand antisepsis, proper donning of sterile gowns and gloves, the use of sterile drapes, and careful handling of all instruments and supplies. Any breach in sterility—such as touching non-sterile surfaces, reusing disposable gowns, or bringing unsterile personnel into the sterile field—increases the risk of introducing microbes into the wound. Antibiotic prophylaxis, when used correctly, should be administered within the appropriate preoperative window to further reduce infection risk, not delayed. In short, strict asepsis and sterile technique directly minimize the chance of infection during the operation.