1. Unit 101.2 Aseptic Techniques
Health Skills I
Unit 101.2
Aseptic Techniques

2. Objectives
Identify the practices of aseptic technique and related terminology.

3. Terms Contaminated Septic is another term for contaminated
living organism(s) present on an animate or inanimate surface
floors are always considered contaminated
Septic is another term for contaminated
NOT

4. Terms Clean Sterile removal of foreign matter such as organic material
example
fecal matter, blood, body fluids
Sterile
free of all living microorganisms

5. Terms Autoclave Disinfect
process of sterilization that uses heat and steam under pressure to destroy all pathogens including spores and viruses
Disinfect
removal of most pathogens through cleansing solutions

6. Autoclaves Types of processes used: Ethylene Oxide Chemical Vapor
Steam

7. Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique)
refers to practices or procedures used to ensure a clean environment by removing or destroying diseases causing microorganisms after each patient procedure
Importance
healthcare worker has DUTY AND OBLIGATION to patient to do this
must be ongoing battle

8. Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique)
refers to all practices and precautions that ensure the environment is free of all microorganisms
aimed at destroying or stopping transmission of ALL microorganisms
special techniques for opening sterile packages, and working from a sterile field must be learned and practiced with precision

9. Principles of Aseptic Technique
Keep sterile field within view
Hold sterile objects above the waist
Avoid spilling solutions on any cloth or disposable sterile drapes.
Keep hands below shoulder level.

10. Use Sterile Technique
whenever entering area of body that is not a natural route of entry
when caring for wounds or burns, performing catheterizations, suctioning, tooth extractions, surgery, etc.
failure to follow these guidelines could cause illness or death to patient

11. Patient Care Guidelines
wash hands before and after patient care, and handling supplies
handle dressing, bandages and tissues according to policy
wrap damp or wet items in waterproof bags
discard disposable items
use equipment and supplies for one patient only
cover breaks in skin with a sterile dressing
prevent cross contamination

12. Patient Care Guidelines
keep food and beverages clean
floors are contaminated
avoid raising dust
airborne
do not shake linens
clean from least soiled to most soiled
discard liquids directly into drain or toilet
avoid spilling and splashing
keep rooms bright, clean, dry, and airy
if in question, ITS CONTAMINATED

13. Open Skin Lesions
healthcare workers with draining lesions or weeping dermatitis, should refrain from direct patient care or food handling
report condition to supervisor for direction as this may vary per facility or department

14. Healthcare Workers Should Be:
*clean and neat
*wash uniform daily
*shower daily, including hair
*have short hair or secure it back
*brush teeth regularly
*proper nail care (follow policy of facility) fake nails may grow fungus under nail deadly to patients
*wear no jewelry

15. Handle Equipment Properly
failure to follow the guidelines for correct technique in handling of equipment could result in serious infections to patient or healthcare worker

16. Proper Cleaning Solutions:
bacteriostatic
slows down or stops growth of bacteria
bacteriocidal
kills bacteria
household bleach solution
1:10 ratio
kills all pathogens on objects and surfaces cleansed with solution
must be made fresh daily
iodine and alcohol
frequently used on skin for disinfecting

17. Handwashing *prevents spreading infection
*wash before gloving and after removal of gloves
*wash before & after every patient contact & after exposure to blood or body fluids
*single most important procedure to prevent the spread of disease!

18. Handwashing *use 3 - 5 ml. of soap
*vigorous friction rubbing not to exceed 15 seconds
*rinse with fingers pointed down
*dry fingertips to wrist
*shut off faucet with clean towel

19. Sanitation of Equipment
clean contaminated, reusable equipment by cleansing with soap/water & brush. Rinse & dry thoroughly before packaging & sterilizing
sterilize reusable equipment that will invade the body or mucous membrane
disinfect reusable equipment used for non-invasive procedures

20. Knowledge Assessment
Compare and contrast the terms contaminated, clean, and sterile.
List the types of autoclaved processes used.
List the principles of aseptic technique.
Understand the principles of patient care guidelines involving asepsis.
Contrast the different cleaning solutions.
Identify key components in hand washing considerations and technique.