Asepsis in Healthcare Quiz

Asepsis: The Importance of Infection Prevention in Healthcare

Asepsis is a critical aspect of healthcare and involves a collection of infection prevention actions designed to protect patients from infection during invasive clinical procedures. The term aseptics is often used interchangeably with sterile, but the two terms have distinct meanings. Sterile refers to the elimination of all living beings, pathogenic or non-pathogenic, present on a specific substrate, while aseptic techniques are those that prevent microorganisms from entering the internal tissues and causing infections or complications.

History of Asepsis

Aseptic techniques were first widely adopted in the late 19th century and have since evolved to include a range of decontamination processes, sterilized equipment, and handling techniques to minimize potential transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. The Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) was developed in the late 1990s by Rowley to help address variable aseptic technique standards of practice and provide a rationalized, contemporary, evidence-based framework to standardize this critical competency.

ANTT® and Aseptic Technique

ANTT® is a comprehensive framework for aseptic technique for all invasive procedures. It provides a systematic method for practitioners to include all the important elements of aseptic technique, with a focus on the identification and protection of 'Key-Parts' and 'Key-Sites' throughout the preparation and the insertion or manipulation of intravascular devices. ANTT® clinical practice includes the 'ANTT-Approach', which supports practitioners in maintaining sterility and preventing contamination.

Basic Principles of Asepsis

To create and maintain a sterile field, it is essential to adhere to strict principles and intentional actions. These include handwashing, using sterile barriers (drapes and PPE), preparing the patient with an approved antimicrobial product, maintaining a sterile field, and using aseptically safe techniques.

Asepsis in the Operating Room

In the operating room, asepsis is a fundamental procedure to prevent the access of microorganisms (both pathogenic and non-pathogenic) to a naturally sterile or artificially sterilized substrate. Doctors and healthcare professionals must strictly adhere to standardized procedures, such as hand hygiene, patient skin hygiene, and the use of physical agents and adequate PPE, to protect patients and ensure a safe environment for surgery.

Importance of Asepsis

The importance of asepsis in healthcare cannot be overstated. Each year in America, over 2 million patients contract a healthcare-associated infection, and 99,000 patients die from a healthcare-associated infection. By following standard precautions and transmission-based precautions outlined by the CDC, as well as appropriate use of aseptic and sterile technique, healthcare-associated infections can be prevented.

In conclusion, asepsis is a critical aspect of healthcare that involves a collection of infection prevention actions designed to protect patients from infection during invasive clinical procedures. The use of aseptic and sterile techniques, along with strict adherence to principles and intentional actions, is essential for maintaining a sterile environment and reducing the risk of infection in patients undergoing surgical procedures.