Which area is considered sterile on a gown?

The area considered sterile on a gown is specifically the front of the gown from the neck to the waist. This region is designed to maintain a sterile field during surgical and interventional procedures where the risk of infection must be minimized. The front portion covers the areas most likely to come into contact with sterile environments, ensuring that personnel can operate without contaminating instruments or the surgical area.

In typical sterile protocol, the back of the gown is not considered sterile because it is often in contact with non-sterile surfaces. Additionally, the lower portion of the gown, below the waist, is also not deemed sterile since it may come into contact with the floor or other non-sterile areas. The importance of maintaining a sterile field is crucial in interventional radiology and surgical practices to prevent postoperative infections and ensure optimal patient outcomes.