Interventional Radiology Registry Practice Exam

The use of a second sterile field during Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) setup is primarily to ensure the sterility of equipment. Maintaining sterility is critical in interventional radiology procedures to prevent infections, particularly considering that these procedures often involve catheterization and the introduction of substances directly into the body. When creating a second sterile field, practitioners can prepare necessary instruments and materials separately from the main sterile field. This process minimizes the risk of contamination that could arise from frequent handling or reaching over instruments and helps maintain a controlled, sterile environment.

In addition, while other options may present relevant considerations, they do not directly pertain to the primary goal of maintaining sterility. For example, ease of access is important but does not prioritize the critical need for a sterile environment, which is paramount in procedures involving radiation and invasive techniques. Similarly, while radiation exposure reduction and the ability to perform multiple procedures may be factors in overall workflow organization, they are not the principal reasons for implementing a second sterile field during SIRT setup.