This task may have 2 stages:

1. Remove a sterile drape from a drum and place on the instrument trolley in a sterile manner.
2. Lay out a selection of instruments.

The first task is pretty straightforward and requires practice rather than a list of instructions here. Just a few pointers to remember:

• Make a point of checking that the holes in the autoclaving drum are closed and that the sterilisation date is acceptable.
• Ensure that the surface of the instrument trolley is clean and dry. If disinfectant and surgical spirit are available - use them!
• The forceps used to handle the drape are called Cheatles and it is usual to use 2 pairs when handling drapes.
• Remember that the drape is sterile - and if you do accidentally touch it, you would discard that drape and use
  a fresh one.

The second part of the task usually involves the identification of some surgical instruments.