During the intraoperative phase, which activity can be completed by both sterile and non-sterile members of the surgical team?

The handling of the specimen can indeed be completed by both sterile and non-sterile members of the surgical team due to the specific protocols in place regarding specimen management. Specimens, which are often excised tissues, need to be handled carefully to ensure they are properly labeled and processed for pathological examination, and this task does not necessarily require maintaining a sterile environment throughout.

Non-sterile team members, such as surgical technologists or circulating nurses, may assist in transporting the specimen to the pathology department or preparing it for collection, often under the guidance of sterile team members who may have removed the specimen during the procedure. This collaborative effort ensures the specimen is handled safely while adhering to necessary protocols, thereby making this activity unique in that it involves participation across different roles within the surgical team.

In contrast, activities such as maintaining the patient's operative record and clearing residual blood from the surgical field typically involve non-sterile team members and sterile team members performing distinct and separate tasks to maintain protocol efficiency. Additionally, maintaining the sterile field and neutral zone involves strict adherence to sterile techniques, which is generally the sole responsibility of the sterile team members to prevent contamination. Thus, the collaborative aspect of handling the specimen stands out as an exception during the intraoperative phase.