When adding a sterile solution to a sterile field, how should the container be held?

• A. Just beyond the edge of the sterile field
• B. Directly over the field
• C. In the center of the field
• D. Inside the field

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to maintain sterility by keeping nonsterile surfaces away from the sterile field while still delivering the liquid into the field. Holding the container just beyond the edge of the sterile field keeps the bottle outside potential contamination, and allows the liquid to flow into the field without the bottle or its neck contacting the sterile area. Pouring from directly over the field, from the center, or from inside the field increases the risk that the container, droplets, or splashes contaminate the sterile surface. By keeping the container just at the edge, you minimize contact with the sterile area while ensuring the solution reaches the field.