Asepsis means absence of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms or pathogens that cause disease. Any time a patient is in a hospital, he/she is susceptible to infection from multiple different bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms.
Aseptic technique means using practices and procedures to prevent contamination caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.
The skin is the body’s first line of defense against germs. A person is vulnerable to infection as soon as there is a break in their skin, regardless of whether it occurs as a result of an accidental injury, surgical incision or venipuncture. Contamination during phlebotomy could cause infections and may alter laboratory results.
Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is one of the most important precautions used in medical asepsis. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and running water. Washing for less than 20 seconds could lead to spreading the microorganisms around your hands.
If your hands are not visibly soiled or dirty, you may perform hand hygiene by using an anti-bacterial hand-gel.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes gloves, mask, gown, eye shield. PPEs are worn while caring patients with infectious diseases to protect the caregiver’s body from infections.
Remove the PPE in the patient’s room or at designated area. Wash hands after removing PPEs.
