Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

When individuals with sterile surgical attire pass each other, how should they do so?

1. Front-to-front

2. Quickly

3. Back-to-back

4. Using social distancing

The correct answer is: Back-to-back

When individuals in sterile surgical attire pass each other, doing so back-to-back is crucial to maintain the integrity of the sterile field. This method minimizes the risk of contamination. Sterile attire is designed to provide a barrier against bacteria and other microorganisms, and facing one another while passing can increase the risk of transferring contaminants from one sterile surface to another. Passing back-to-back allows individuals to maintain the cleanliness of their sterile garments, as it reduces contact and the potential for touching unsterile surfaces or one another. It is a standard practice in surgical settings and is part of protocols designed to uphold aseptic technique. In contrast, other methods of passing, such as front-to-front, could compromise the sterile attire and lead to an increased risk of infection. Quickly passing may not allow individuals to adequately distance themselves from each other, nor does it sufficiently address the need to protect the sterility of their attire. Social distancing is also not typically feasible in the close quarters of an operating room where the focus is on maintaining a sterile environment.