An assessment of the clinical effectiveness of surgical drapes.

Questioning whether a 'sterile' material is actually sterile is something that many clinicians may not have considered. The equipment that comprises a sterile field for a major surgical or invasive procedure may also be taken for granted as the sterile pack would normally include sterile drapes. Under discussion is whether using sterile drapes is more effective than not using them. In furthering the debate, examination of the literature is centred on the degree of effectiveness of sterile drapes.