Where should instrument and suture material be kept during suturing?

• A. Place outside the sterile field
• B. Keep all instruments and suture material within the sterile field
• C. Pass instruments only when asked
• D. Leave instruments on the table after the procedure

Answer: (B)

During suturing, aseptic technique requires that all instrument and suture material stay within the sterile field. Keeping these items inside the sterile field and handling them with sterile gloves prevents contamination of the wound and surrounding area, reducing infection risk. Placing or leaving instruments outside the sterile field introduces a route for bacteria to reach the wound. Leaving items on the table after the procedure also compromises sterility. Passing instruments is part of proper technique, but the core requirement is to maintain their place within the sterile field throughout the suturing process.