Principles of The Aseptic Technique

Principles of sterile technique help control and prevent infection, prevent the transmission of all microorganisms in a given area, and include all techniques that are practised to maintain sterility.

The technique consists of the following set of processes:

  1. Creating a microorganism-free environment (sterile field)
  2. Use of sterilized instruments and dressings
  3. Maintaining sterility of sterile field and instruments by preventing microbial contamination by contact with non-sterile objects; such as:
    • the patient’s body
    • the cares providers body,
    • non-sterile instruments,
    • equipment,
    • body fluids etc.
  4. Antisepsis of point of entry and hands of task performer.

Sterile technique is most commonly practised in operating rooms, labour and delivery rooms, and special procedures or diagnostic areas. It is also used when performing a sterile procedure at the bedside, such as inserting devices into sterile areas of the body or cavities (e.g., insertion of chest tube, central venous line, or indwelling urinary catheter). In health care, sterile technique is always used when the integrity of the skin is accessed, impaired, or broken (e.g., burns or surgical incisions). Sterile technique may include the use of sterile equipment, sterile gowns, and gloves (Perry et al., 2014).

Sterile technique is essential to help prevent surgical site infections (SSI), an unintended and often times preventable complication arising from surgery. SSI is defined as an “infection that occurs after surgery in the area of surgery” (CDC, 2010, p. 2). Preventing and reducing SSI are the most important reasons for using sterile technique during invasive procedures and surgeries.