1. ASEPSIS ABSENCE OF DISEASE-PRODUCING MICROORGANISMS A major way to break the chain of infection is ASPETIC TECHNIQUE Directed towards maintaining cleanliness and elimination or preventing contamination INFECTION CONTROL

2. Methods of Aseptic Technique 1. Antisepsis prevents or inhibits growth of pathogenic organisms usually used on the skin Common examples: Alcohol, Betadine

3. INFECTION CONTROL 2. Disinfection chemicals used to disinfect instruments that don’t penetrate body tissue and/or surfaces Examples: Alcohol, 10% bleach solution Lysol

4. Sterilization Sterilization kills all microorganisms, including spores and viruses kills all microorganisms, including spores and viruses methods methods Gas or steam under pressure (autoclave) Gas or steam under pressure (autoclave) radiation radiation chemicals chemicals INFECTION CONTROL

5. Principles of Sterile Technique Sterile – free from all organisms, including spores and viruses Contaminated – micro organisms are present, but they may not be pathogenic

6. INFECTION CONTROL Sterile field = sterile area A clean, uncluttered work area necessary when working with sterile supplies 2-inch border of sterile field is considered contaminated never reach across a sterile field reach in from the side never turn your back on a sterile field keep sterile field dry When in doubt, consider it contaminated!!!!

7. INFECTION CONTROL HANDWASHING IS STILL THE MOST IMPORATANT METHOD USED TO PRACTICE ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE