4. Sterile technique and general rules of aseptic technique

Question 1

4. Sterile technique and general rules of aseptic technique

Answer 1

Sterile technique:
* The ideal goal
* To prevent the transmission of microorganisms into the body during invasive procedures
* Sterile personnel are gowned and gloved
* Sterile personnel touch only sterile items/areas
* Sterile drapes are used to create a sterile field
* Use only sterile items within a sterile field
* All sterile items should be opened, dispensed and transferred by methods that maintain sterility
* The field should be monitored constantly and the surgical staff should be able to recognise when they have broken technique and act accordingly

General rules of aseptic technique:
* Surgical team members remain within the sterile area
* Talking and movement by all personnel is kept to a minimum
* Nonscrubbed personnel touch only nonsterile items and do not reach over sterile areas
* Drapes should be moisture proof
* If the surgical team begins the surgery seated, they should remain seated until it has been completed
* Gowns are considered sterile only from mid-chest to waist and from gloved hand to 5 cm above the elbow
* Items of questionable sterility are considered contaminated