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ZONE DEFENSE Place sharps in an agreed-upon location on the sterile field.
HANDS FREE
3 Keys to Safe Passing
A neutral zone should be
used during all surgical procedures for the passing of scalpel blades, suture needles, hypodermic needles and sharp surgical instruments to prevent surgical technologists, nurses and surgeons from simultaneously handling contaminated sharps. Using a neutral zone will decrease the risks of sharps injuries to surgical personnel and patients. Follow these passing tips when sharps are on the sterile field.
Establish a neutral zone. Before the first incision is made, identify where all
sharps will be placed and received on the sterile field in order to avoid hand-to-hand transfers. Emesis basins, instrument mats or magnetic pads serve as effective neutral zones. Discuss the location of the neutral zone with the surgeon throughout the procedure and move it to another area of the sterile field if needed as the surgery progresses.
Verbalize actions. Whenever placing a sharp in the neutral zone, alert the other members of the surgical team that an instrument or needle is in the zone. Announce the sharp by name or say "sharp" or "safety zone. Withdraw your"
hand until the sharp is retrieved.
Focus on placement. Only a single sharp should occupy the neutral zone at any time. Orient the sharp so the person who's retrieving it can place her hand behind
the sharp end or point without having to reposition the item.
Source: The Association of Surgical Technologists' Recommended Standards of
Practice for Sharps Safety and Use of the Neutral Zone
