1. Chapter 4 Surgical Asepsis

2. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2 Sterile Technique A microbe free technique –Used for performing procedures within body and during dressing changes –Also called surgical asepsis An item or area is sterile if it is free from all microorganisms and spores

3. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.3 Flash Sterilization Quick method of sterilizing essential items Risk for contamination is great because personnel are usually rushed Follow manufacturers’ guidelines and facility policies when flash sterilizing

4. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.4 Guidelines for Sterile Procedures Always wash your hands before beginning If the sterility of an item is in doubt, consider it unsterile and avoid using it If a sterile item contacts an unsterile item, the sterile item is contaminated

5. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.5 Guidelines for Sterile Procedures Consider a sterile package contaminated when: –It is cracked, cut, or torn –It is wet –It has expired

6. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.6 Creating a Sterile Field Sanitize and dry the table before placing supplies on it Avoid touching the inside of the package –Inside can be used as a sterile field Never turn your back on a sterile field

7. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.7 Creating a Sterile Field Avoid crossing over or touching a sterile field. Keep sterile items above waist level Avoid talking, coughing, or sneezing over a sterile field

8. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.8 Creating a Sterile Field Use sterile gloves –Touch only sterile items –Touch only the inside of the package –Keep your hands above your waist –Avoid touching your clothing or body –If sterile gloves touch an unsterile item, they are contaminated. Change the gloves

9. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.9 Setting Up a Sterile Field One-inch border around outside edge of the field is considered unsterile –Drape hangs over the edges of the table –Area below the table is not sterile Sterile supplies can touch only the sterile field

10. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.10 Setting Up a Sterile Field Sterile transfer forceps may be used Avoid touching the tips of the forceps –Handle is contaminated because you have touched it with your hands

11. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.11 Handwashing 2002 - CDC modified guidelines for surgical hand antisepsis –Remove watches, rings, and jewelry –Use a nail cleaner to clean under fingernails –Use antimicrobial soap and scrub for the length of time recommended

12. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.12 Handwashing When using an alcohol-based product in preparation for a sterile procedure: –Wash hands and forearms –Dry thoroughly –Apply according to manufacturers’ directions –Allow to dry thoroughly before applying sterile gloves