Sterile Procedures
LESSON 2: Medical asepsis
2-2
2-2. ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE
a. Aseptic technique is a discipline that consists of a series of events to guard the patient against infection. This procedure is used to reduce the direct or indirect transfer of germs to any surface, article, or person.
(1) With traumatic wounds, which are assumed to be contaminated beforehand, aseptic technique refers to applying a dressing in a manner so that additional contamination is not induced.
(2) In administration of preparations by injection or infusion, it refers to measures designed to prevent or minimize introduction of pathogens beneath the skin.
(3) In surgery, it normally implies sterile conditions in and around the patient area.
b. Treatment personnel can carry out aseptic technique by:
(1) Keeping their hands clean and as free from contamination as possible.
(2) Ensuring that all sterile items are kept free from all organisms. (Dressings that are to be applied to wounds, needles, and instruments to be inserted through the skin, and syringes to be filled for injection into the body must not touch anything unsterile before being used.)
(3) Keeping from breathing, coughing, or sneezing on wounds or sterile items.
