13:7 Using Sterile Techniques Many procedures require use of sterile techniques to protect a patient from infection Surgical asepsis keeps an object or area free from living organisms Sterile: free from all organisms Contaminated: organisms and pathogens present Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Using Sterile Techniques (continued) Important to differentiate between sterile and contaminated areas or items while using sterile technique Correct techniques must be strictly followed to maintain sterility and prevent contamination Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Using Sterile Techniques (continued) Clean working area required Handling of sterile supplies Sterile field: area used for placement of sterile supplies Rules of working within sterile area Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Removing Articles from Sterile Wraps Drop technique Mitten technique Transfer forceps Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Wet Surfaces Organisms and pathogens travel quickly through wet surfaces If sterile item gets wet, contamination has occurred Use extreme care while pouring solutions into sterile bowls Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sterile Gloves Worn while performing sterile technique Make sure tray is open and all sterile items are ready before putting sterile gloves on your hands Are sterile on the outside and contaminated on the inside Observe correct technique when putting on sterile gloves Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sterile Gloves (continued) When gloves are on, hold hands away from body and above waist Handle only sterile objects when wearing sterile gloves Change gloves any time contamination occurs Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sterile Dressings Obtain proper authorization Use an infectious waste bag Wear disposable gloves for removing a dressing Note type, color, and amount of drainage on dressing Put on sterile gloves to cleanse area and apply new dressing Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sterile Dressings (continued) Cleanse wound or incision with correct technique Apply inner and outer dressing, taking care to maintain sterility of dressings Remove sterile gloves properly and dispose of properly Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sterile Dressings (continued) Apply tape correctly to hold dressing in place If contamination occurs at any time during the procedure, start over Commercially prepared sterile supplies are widely available Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.