
It is widely accepted that poor standards of aseptic technique are a major cause of preventable infections. What is the purpose of aseptic technique?Īseptic technique is an important infection prevention competency for protecting patients from healthcare-associated infection 8). If key parts become contaminated they can transfer microorganisms to the patient. This includes invasive devices connected to the patient and liquid infusions. Key parts are any parts of the equipment which come into contact with procedural equipment or the patient.
#Asepsis technique skin#
Key sites are any breaches in skin integrity which could be a portal of entry for microorganisms to colonize the patient.

Correct glove use: appropriate use of gloves and other personal protective equipment to reduce the transmission of harmful microorganisms 3).Hand hygiene: strict adherence to effective hand cleaning, using a systematic method, performed prior to, during, if required following contamination, and following invasive clinical procedures 2).The six core elements of aseptic technique from the Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®): insertion of an intravenous (IV) cannula or central venous catheter (CVC).preparation and administration of intravenous (IV) fluids or medications.Some examples of procedures requiring aseptic technique include: Aseptic technique should be used when the patient has a surgical or non-surgical wound in or around the eye.

Even if a wound is already infected, an aseptic technique should be used as it is important that no further infection is introduced. For example, when applying or changing dressings, an aseptic technique is used in order to avoid introducing infections into a wound 1). Asepsis is achieved by protecting key-parts and key-sites from microorganisms transferred from the healthcare worker and the immediate environment. A widely used method of aseptic technique is known as Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®). Aseptic technique protects patients during invasive clinical procedures by employing infection control measures that minimize, as far as practicably possible, the presence of pathogenic organisms. Aseptic technique is used during clinical procedures to identify and prevent microbial contamination of aseptic parts and sites by ensuring that they are not touched either directly or indirectly. ‘Aseptic technique’ aims to prevent pathogenic microorganisms, from being introduced to the patient via hands, surfaces and equipment. The correct terminology and practice is ‘aseptic technique’. Previously, the terms ‘sterile technique,’ ‘clean technique’ and ‘aseptic technique’ have been used interchangeably. Ensuring asepsis and sterility of equipmentĪseptic technique is the range of infection prevention and control practices which are used to minimize the presence of pathogenic microorganisms during clinical procedures.What is the purpose of aseptic technique?.
