4 Aseptic and Sterile Technique
Learn how to choose and apply clean or sterile practices, protect sterile supplies and fields, and respond safely when contamination is suspected.
Choosing the level of asepsis
prevents microorganisms from reaching a patient, a key part of equipment, or a procedural site. Choose the level of asepsis required for the procedure, and follow facility policy and device instructions. is essential; wearing gloves does not replace it.
, or clean technique, reduces the number and spread of microorganisms. It is used in routine care and many procedures that do not require a .
Practices include performing , using clean equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning shared equipment, and working from cleaner areas toward more contaminated areas. Clean technique is appropriate for many routine patient-care tasks.
A procedure involving a sterile site or sterile device parts may require a more stringent aseptic approach. Follow the procedure-specific protocol rather than assuming clean gloves alone are sufficient.
, or sterile technique, aims to keep a defined field and its contents free of microorganisms. It is used when a procedure requires sterile supplies or contact with normally sterile tissue, such as surgery or certain invasive procedures.
This approach involves , suitable barriers and PPE, sterile supplies, and practices that protect the field from contamination. Use sterile technique when required by the procedure.
Preparing and protecting a
Before setting up a , prepare a clean, dry work surface, gather supplies, and perform . Check each package to confirm that it is intact and dry, is within its expiration date when applicable, and has an acceptable sterilization indicator. Do not use supplies with damaged or wet packaging, or other signs that sterility may be compromised.
During the procedure, keep the field in view and above waist level. Do not reach over it or turn away from it. Keep only sterile items on the field. Treat the outer package and the field’s outer -inch (-cm) border as contaminated, unless the procedure or facility policy specifies otherwise.
Protect the field from moisture, contact with nonsterile objects, and items that fall below the field’s level. Open packages and transfer supplies using the method taught for the procedure, without touching sterile contents with nonsterile hands or packaging.
Protecting and sites
Use sterile gloves when required, but do not rely on gloves instead of non-touch technique. Avoid unnecessary contact with , which are sterile equipment parts that will connect to or contact the patient, and , such as a wound or insertion site.
Responding to suspected contamination
If contamination is suspected, stop and address it promptly. Do not use an item or field whose sterility is in doubt. Replace contaminated supplies and, if needed, re-establish or re-drape the field using sterile materials.
Notify the appropriate team member, assess whether the patient may have been exposed, and report or document the event according to facility policy. For example, if a sterile-gloved hand touches a nonsterile surface, that glove is no longer sterile; change it before continuing.