Aseptic Technique to Avoid Contamination

As Microorganisms have been found on hand washbasins and taps it is advised that hand hygiene should be carried out using liquid soap and water. Another step for care in this regard is that non-touch taps should be used.

Decontamination should follow hand washing. This can be done using alcohol gel. There is a six-step technique that one can follow. The six-step guideline will help reduce preventable infections. These infections can lead to reduced patient morbidity and mortality. You can also get the best aseptic technique coaching from various online sources.

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It is still essential to follow a non-touch aseptic technique even when hands have been effectively decontaminated. This is done to not contaminate the sterile field. You could use forceps to rearrange the contents available in a sterile field.

It is also necessary to maintain wound temperature, which is why unnecessary or prolonged exposure of the wound should be avoided. This will also prevent contamination of the wound.

Contamination of sterile equipment is a huge no. If you accidentally contaminate a piece of equipment it should be disposed of and not used at all.

Before embarking on your wound procedure check the expiry date on all equipment, place all equipment on the bottom shelf of the trolley and wear a disposable apron. Following are some other helpful tips for an aseptic technique:

– The sterile field should be opened by touching the corners only.

– Any extra item that needs to be added should be added without touching the field.

– Contents should be poured into their containers without touching the sterile field too.

– Put your hand in the sterile disposable bag and using it like a glove, arrange the sterile contents. It is also possible to use the sterile bag to remove a soiled dressing off the wound.

– Dressings should be carefully removed as a lot of microorganisms are shed into the air during this process.

– If there are signs of redness, inflammation, or discharge while assessing the wound a wound swab should be taken via which a culture of the wound should be obtained.