Back Table Setup

Clinical Significance

In the surgical setting, back table setup directly impacts patient safety and surgical outcomes. Relevant sterile field principles include:

• Sterile field is created as close to the time of use as possible and never left unattended
• Only sterile items may be placed on a sterile field
• Gowns are considered sterile from chest to waist level, sleeves from 2 inches above the elbow to the cuff

Safety Considerations

Maintaining safety during procedures involving back table setup requires adherence to sterile technique:

• Sterile persons touch only sterile items; unsterile persons touch only unsterile items
• Only sterile items may be placed on a sterile field
• Sterile field is created as close to the time of use as possible and never left unattended
• Edges of anything that encloses sterile contents are considered unsterile (1-inch border)

Key Values & Ranges

Organizing sterile instruments and supplies on the back table in a logical, consistent arrangement for efficient retrieval during surgery. Back table organization tested on CST exam.

Related instrumentation: Needle holder (Suturing) for Holds suture needles, tungsten carbide inserts for grip, box lock mechanism.

Calculation Methods

Relevant parameters for back table setup in the surgical setting:

Sterrad (H2O2 plasma)

Low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma. 104-131 F, 28-75 min cycle. For heat-sensitive electronics, scopes. No cellulose/linen

ETO (ethylene oxide)

Chemical gas sterilization. 600mg/L concentration, 130 F, 2-5 hours exposure, 8-12 hours aeration. For heat/moisture-sensitive items