Edges of anything that encloses sterile contents are considered unsterile. When opening sterile packages, open away from you first. Secure flaps so they do not dangle. The wrapper is considered sterile to within one inch of the wrapper. In peel-open packages, the edges where glued, are not considered sterile.
Sterile field is created as close as possible to time of use.
A. Covering sterile tables is not recommended. Sterile areas are continuously kept in view. A. Sterility cannot be ensured without direct observation. An unguarded sterile field should be considered contaminated. Sterile persons keep well within sterile area.