In surgical care, draping is a routine operation. Draping not only helps protect the surgical site by isolating it from the rest of the patient's body and the non-sterile area of the operating table to help reduce the risk of surgical site infection, but also expands the sterile field, enabling sterile procedures Members of the team place sterile instruments and supplies on the drape, such as to create a neutral zone for passing sharps.

The principle of draping:

1. Only sterile surgical drapes can be used in the sterile field.

2. Check the surgical drape for no holes, punctures and tears to prevent microbial contamination of the sterile field.

3. When handling the surgical drape before placing it on the patient, it should not be allowed to unfold.

4. Non-porous towel clips should be used to hold towels or surgical drapes in place.

5. Once the surgical drape is placed, it should not be repositioned. Repositioning may introduce non-sterile portions of the drape into the sterile field, causing contamination, and may transfer microorganisms to the sterile field, putting the patient at risk of infection.

6. Members of the sterile team should have as little contact with surgical drapes as possible.

7. Disposable and non-disposable contaminated surgical drapes should be properly kept at the end of the operation. Surgical drapes should be placed in impermeable bags with the biohazard symbol.

The correct placement of surgical drapes and instruments before each operation can provide the best protection for the operation.