Asepsis and Aseptic technique - scrub/scout Flashcards
Asepsis
The absence of pathogenic micro-organisms
Sterile
Free of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi.
Aseptic technique
A set of practices used to prevent contamination by pathogens during medical procedures.
Sterile technique
Refers to creating and working within a sterile field
ANTT
A standardised approach to prevent contamination of sterile surfaces and critical parts by avoiding direct touch.
- focused on maintaining asepsis by using sterile equipment and techniques.
Surgical site infections
Account for more than 30% of all HAI and have the highest mortality rate.
- Most common microorganisms that cause SSI is bacteria.
- Microbial contamination of the SS is the pre-req for a SSI.
Endogenous microorganisms
bacteria from the patients own skin, mucous membranes or hollow viscera.
Exogenous microorganisms
from healthcare personnel, the environment, surgical instruments and other materials.
Superficial incisional SSI
Extends only into the skin or subcut tissue is regarded as a localised infection. Occurs within 30 days after the operation.
Deep incisional SSI
Extended into fascia and/ or muscle layers. develops within 30 days of an operation or 1 year of an implanted device.
Organ/space SSI
Most serious as it has spread from the localised area and can reach into areas not involved in the operation.
SSI prevention care bundle
Surgical care bundles are made up of a group of evidence-based practice interventions which when performed together can have a positive outcome on patient care.
- Reduce SSI
Purpose of the surgical scrub
remove debris and transient micro-organisms from the hands and arms, reducing residual microbial count to a minimum and leaving an antimicrobial residue on the skin to prevent growth of micro-organisms.
Opening sterile supplies
Teamwork between the instrument and circulating nurse to maintain asepsis whilst opening sterile supplies.
- Circulating nurse is responsible for opening and transferring sterile items to the instrument nurse and/or onto the sterile field.
Surgical skin preparation
Reducing the number of bacteria on the skin around the incision site reduces the risk of a patient developing an SSI. Achieved through surgical skin disinfection, removing the transient bacteria and reducing resident bacteria through a combination of mechanical removal, chemical killing and inhibition.
Three principles of surgical skin prep:
- Removal of hair
- Chemical disinfection
- Mechanical washing
Clean to dirty
start at the cleanest area of the skin and move your way outwards to the dirtiest area.
Draping the patient
Placed strategically on the patient in a manner that exposes only the operative site and isolates it from the surrounding area.
- Drapes covering the pt body also provide an area on which sterile instruments and equipment can be placed.
Key points when handling drapes:
- Handle drapes as little as possible - excessive movement can cause air currents and disperse dust particles onto the sterile field.
- Always hold drapes above waste level, never let them drop below, they do, consider them contaminated.
- Once the sterile drape is in place, don’t move them - if the drape requires repositioning it should be discarded and a new one used.
- Drape the incision site first and work towards the periphery.
Surgical asepsis
involves maintaining a sterile environment throughout a surgical procedure.
- use of sterile instruments, sterile gown, gloves, and ensuring the surgical field is free off contamination.
Surgical conscience
An ethical and professional standard requiring all professionals to be vigilant and adhere to aseptic techniques.
- recognising and correcting any breaches in sterile technique
surgically clean
refers to a level of cleanliness where most microorganisms have been removed from the skin, but is not completely sterile.
