Asepsis definition skin#
Asepsis definition full#

People working in a variety of healthcare settings use aseptic technique. The medical community defines clean technique as a modified form of aseptic technique, as maintaining proper hygiene and a clean environment will help achieve asepsis. Non-touch practices prohibit healthcare professionals from touching key parts of objects, such as syringe tips and the inside of sterile dressings, even when they are wearing gloves. Some examples of clean technique practices include thorough handwashing, wearing gloves, and maintaining a clean environment or work area.Ĭlean technique uses non-touch practices. For example, they may use clean technique when changing the dressing on a wound that is healing. Healthcare professionals use clean technique for people who are not at high risk of infection. They will use aseptic technique during surgical operations or when inserting a foreign object, such as a catheter, into a person’s body.Ĭlean technique is often sufficient for long-term care, in-home care, and some outpatient clinical settings. Healthcare professionals learn both aseptic and clean techniques and use them in different situations. Clean technique focuses on reducing the number of microorganisms in general. The aim of using aseptic technique is to eliminate germs, which are disease-causing microorganisms.

using instruments to conduct a vaginal examinationĪseptic technique and clean technique are two closely related healthcare practices that both aim to keep people safe from infection.

inserting a urinary catheter, wound drain, intravenous line, or chest tube.

Healthcare professionals use aseptic technique when they are: Using aseptic technique prevents the spread of infection by harmful germs. Healthcare professionals use aseptic technique practices in hospitals, surgery rooms, outpatient care clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Asepsis definition full#

According to the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, the five most common HCAIs cost the United States approximately $9.8 billion a year.Īseptic techniques range from simple practices, such as using alcohol to sterilize the skin, to full surgical asepsis, which involves the use of sterile gowns, gloves, and masks. HCAIs can lead to severe health complications for affected individuals and disciplinary consequences for medical facilities.Īdditionally, HCAIs have a significant economic impact. These types of infections are a significant concern in the healthcare community.

central line-associated bloodstream infection.

catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

An HCAI is an infection that a person acquires as a result of treatment from a healthcare professional.Īccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 31 hospital patients will have at least one HCAI. A person is vulnerable to infection as soon as there is a break in their skin, regardless of whether it occurs as a result of an accidental injury or a surgical incision.Īseptic technique helps prevent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

Asepsis definition skin#

The skin is the body’s first line of defense against germs. Share on Pinterest FatCamera/Getty Images