Aseptic Technique

 

Aseptic Techniques

Aseptic technique can be applied in any clinical setting. Typical situations that call for aseptic measures include surgery and the insertion of intravenous lines, urinary catheters and drains. The goals of aseptic technique are to protect the patient from infection and to prevent the spread of pathogens and/or harmful microorganisms.

 

Surgical Asepsis - Protection against infection before, during and after surgery by using sterile techniques.

1. Any sterile object or field touched by an unsterile object or person becomes contaminated.

2. Never reach across a sterile field. Organisms may fall from your arm into the field. Reaching across increases the risk of brushing the area with your uniform.

3. If you suspect an item is contaminated, discard it. When in doubt, consider it contaminated. This includes damp items, items with broken seal or on which the indicator tape has not assumed the correct color.

4. Do not pass between the physician and the sterile field.

5. Never leave a sterile area unattended, no one would know if field were contaminated.

6. A one-inch border at the perimeter of the sterile field is considered a "buffer zone" and is treated as if it were contaminated.

 

Sterile Field - A microorganism-free area that can receive sterile supplies. Do not put anything on a sterile field that is not clean, dry or that is expired. Only sterile items are used in sterile fields.

 

Sterile Corridor - The area between patient drape and instrument table.

 

Establishing a Sterile Field and Sterile Draping

A sterile field is established using a sterile drape. A first step in using a sterile drape is confirming that the package is sterile. If it appears to have been previously opened or the expiration date has passed, it is considered unsterile. Hold the drape with one hand by the corner. Fold back the top to lift the cover and laying the drape on a clean, dry surface with the bottom farthest from the person establishing the field.

When opening sterile contents for a procedure, drop the contents gently onto the sterile field from approximately 6 inches above the field and at a slight angle. This technique helps ensure that the package wrapping does not touch the sterile field at any time.

 When opening a sterile pack (tray), such as a myelogram pack, place the pack on a clean surface within reach of the physician. Just before the procedure begins, break the seal and open the pack. Unfold the first corner away from you; then unfold the two sides. Pull the front fold down toward you and drop it. Do not touch the inner surface. The inner wrap, if there is one, is opened in the same manner. You have now established a sterile field.