What should be done first when preparing the working area in a sterile environment?

When preparing a working area in a sterile environment, the first step is to wash hands. This is a crucial practice in maintaining aseptic technique and ensuring that any microorganisms that may be on the hands are eliminated before touching sterile materials or equipment. Washing hands significantly reduces the risk of contamination and helps to ensure a safe environment for procedures that require sterility. Proper hand hygiene is foundational to infection control practices, and starting with clean hands is essential before engaging in any further preparation steps such as organizing materials, wiping down surfaces, or donning gloves. This approach sets a clean baseline that minimizes the chances of introducing pathogens into the sterile field.