Both asepsis and sterility are closely related, and the shared concept between the two terms is removal of harmful microorganisms that can cause infection. There is often misunderstanding between the terms aseptic technique and sterile technique in the health care setting. These potentially infectious, microscopic organisms can be present in the environment, on an instrument, in liquids, on skin surfaces, or within a wound. In the clinical setting, aseptic technique refers to the purposeful prevention of microbe contamination from one person or object to another. The word “aseptic” literally means an absence of disease-causing microbes and pathogens. When performed properly, aseptic technique prevents contamination and transfer of pathogens to the patient from caregiver hands, surfaces, and equipment during routine care or procedures. For example, a nurse administering parenteral medication or performing urinary catheterization uses aseptic technique. Use surgical gowns and drapes that are effective barriers when wet (i.e.In addition to using standard precautions and transmission-based precautions, aseptic technique (also called medical asepsis) is the purposeful reduction of pathogens to prevent the transfer of microorganisms from one person or object to another during a medical procedure. Use gowns and drapes that resist fluid penetration when wet Put on gloves after donning a sterile gown Wear sterile gloves if a scrubbed surgical team member. Wear sterile gloves if scrubbed in, after gowning Wear a cap or hood to fully cover hair on the head and face when entering the operating room Wear a surgical mask that fully covers the mouth and nose when entering the operating room if an operation is about to begin or already under way, or if sterile instruments are exposed. Wear a surgical mask any and all times in the OR during a procedure Use an appropriate antiseptic agent for skin preparation Thoroughly wash and clean at and around the incision site to remove gross contamination before performing antiseptic skin preparation Wash and clean around incision site to remove dirt before prepping If hair is removed, remove immediately before the operation, preferably with electric clippers ‘Strongly recommended’ steps by CDC to prevent SSI*: Stepĭo not remove hair unless it will interfere with surgeryĭo not remove hair preoperatively unless the hair at or around the incision site will interfere with the operation The Centers for Disease Control’s Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, while not specifically written for pet surgery, still offers pertinent recommendations that apply, regardless of the type of animal. Such conditions are nearly impossible to attain in human surgical settings but, compared to veterinary surgery, better physical infrastructure, better products and better protocols have been deployed and refined for years to minimize surgical site infections (SSI’s) in human OR’s. By definition, this sterile field, if properly and procedurally constructed for each and every surgical patient, means ‘free from microorganisms.’ Surgical asepsis, attained by Sterile Technique, is the perfect condition for surgery. CDC Recommendations for minimizing Surgical Site Infections
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