Thorough drying is essential, as moist surfaces invite the presence of pathogens. Institutional policy usually designates an acceptable minimum length of time required the CDC recommends at least two to five minutes of scrubbing. This procedure requires use of a long-acting, powerful, antimicrobial soap on the hands and forearms for a longer period of time than used for typical handwashing. Proper handwashing for most clinical settings involves removal of jewelry, avoidance of clothing contact with the sink, and a minimum of 10–15 seconds of hand scrubbing with soap, warm water, and vigorous friction.Ī surgical scrub is performed by members of the surgical team who will come into contact with the sterile field or sterile instruments and equipment. The “2002 Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines” of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) states that proper handwashing can be “the single most important measure to reduce the spread of microorganisms.” In general settings, hands are to be washed when visibly soiled, before and after contact with the patient, after contact with other potential sources of microorganisms, before invasive procedures, and after removal of gloves. In all clinical settings, handwashing is an important step in asepsis. In order to reduce this risk, the patient is prepared or prepped by shaving hair from the surgical site cleansing with a disinfectant containing such chemicals as iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine gluconate and applying sterile drapes around the surgical site. While microorganisms normally colonize parts in or on the human body without causing disease, infection may result when this endogenous flora is introduced to tissues exposed during surgical procedures. Themost common source of pathogens that cause surgical site infections is the patient. Aseptic technique helps to prevent or minimize postoperative infection.
#PRINCIPLES OF ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE SKIN#
Asepsis in the operating roomĪseptic technique is most strictly applied in the operating room because of the direct and often extensive disruption of skin and underlying tissue. Typical situations that call for aseptic measures include surgery and the insertion of intravenous lines, urinary catheters, and drains. Sanitize- To reduce the number of microorganisms to safe levels.ĭefenses. Resistant organisms- Organisms that are difficult to eradicate with antibiotics. Nosocomial - Occurring in the hospital or clinical setting.
Immunocompromised- Lacking or deficient in defenses provided by the immune system, usually due to disease state or a side effect of treatment. Host- A living organism that harbors or potentially harbors infection. All patients are potentially vulnerable to infection, although certain situations further increase vulnerability, such as extensive burns or immune disorders that disturb the body’s natural KEY TERMSĬlean- To remove dirt and other impurities.Ĭontamination- A breach in the preservation of a clean or sterile object or environment.ĭisinfect- To remove most microorganisms but not highly resistant ones. Pathogens may introduce infection to the patient through contact with the environment, personnel, or equipment. DescriptionĪseptic technique can be applied in any clinical setting. Aseptic technique is vital in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical infections. Surgical site infections are the third most common nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection and are responsible for longer hospital stays and increased costs to the patient and hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 27 million surgical procedures are performed in the United States each year. Often, practices that clean (remove dirt and other impurities), sanitize (reduce the number of microorganisms to safe levels), or disinfect (remove most microorganisms but not highly resistant ones) are not sufficient to prevent infection. The goals of aseptic technique are to protect the patient from infection and to prevent the spread of pathogens. PurposeĪseptic technique is employed to maximize and maintain asepsis, the absence of pathogenic organisms, in the clinical setting.
Aseptic technique is a set of specific practices and procedures performed by health-care personnel under carefully controlled conditions with the goal of minimizing contamination by pathogens.
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