What is a key factor in maintaining a sterile field during surgery?

Maintaining a sterile field during surgery is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. The key factor of handling instruments as little as possible is important because every time an instrument is touched, it has the potential to become contaminated. By minimizing contact with instruments, the surgical team can preserve their sterility and reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the sterile field. This practice helps ensure that the instruments remain safe for use throughout the procedure, which is critical for successful surgical outcomes.

In contrast, using any available materials can lead to contamination, since not all materials are sterile. Constantly adjusting drapes can also disturb the sterile field, as it increases the risk of exposure to contaminants. Working quickly may seem beneficial for efficiency, but it can compromise the meticulousness required for maintaining sterility. Therefore, handling instruments with care and minimizing their handling is essential for maintaining a sterile environment during surgery.