Asepsis technique9/1/2023 Keeping these 3 conditions entirely separate One failure in this practice could result in infection or even worse for patients. Knowing what items are sterile in sterile processing is the basis of what we do everyday and attention to detail in this area is any departments key to success. The absence of microbes can only be achieved by use of sterilization whether it be steam, chemical or gas methods, all should result in the same outcome. Extreme caution and careful practices must be adhered, in order for any CS to keep the sterile items with the sterile items and so forth. ![]() Because sterility is impossible to see with our human eye, one cannot look at a specific item and determine its sterility, that is why we use the indicators and tools in CS to help us identify when an items has been exposed to a sterilization process. Sterility can be defined as the absence of all microbes. Whether you are cleaning your work surfaces in decontamination or cleaning the instruments you prepare, all of these are considered to be “clean” in the aspect of aseptic practice. ![]() ![]() If that item has been cleaned with a detergent, disinfectant or thermal decontamination process, it is considered clean and decontaminated. Any item that has been properly cleaned via manual or mechanical means is considered clean. While mechanical cleaning removes soil and most microorganisms it does not deem an item sterile. Surgical asepsis is when items are sterilized, while clean is simply clean. There is clean asepsis and surgical asepsis, which dictate if items are free from all microbes or simply minimizing the amount. Examples of contaminated items include opened instrument sets, surgical instrument trays and devices, single use medical devices like scalpel blades, disposable medical devices like hypo needles, positioning equipment, IV pumps, anesthesia blades and even suction pumps.Ĭleanliness is the basis of aseptic technique. This is why our role in CS is so important in following standard precautions. Because microbial contamination cannot be seen with the naked eye, however, it can be present even when it is not seen. For medical device preparers the terms DIRTY and CONTAMINATED are one in the same. An item is considered to be either contaminated or not contaminated depending on what it has been used on, touched or opened in the environment of direct patient care. Items that have been used for patient care are considered contaminated. Remedy contamination immediately and safely.Keeping the 3 conditions entirely separate.Having a clear understanding of the links in the chain of infection will help lower the risk of spread and your role in CSSD to prevent the spread. CS supports infection prevention by cleaning all devices properly deeming them safe for handling and preparing them for a biocidal process. Teaching how the five principles of asepsis work can not only eliminate cross contamination potential but help keep the unidirectional workflow of the department in place. ![]() Hospital acquired infections and surgical site infections are extremely dangerous to patients and can be very costly. Incorporating standard infection control practices in your reprocessing department’s education plan can not only provide powerful and useful knowledge to your team, but also help to prevent injury and illness to both the staff and patients. Understanding key infection control practices will help any CSSD professional understand the importance of indirect patient care and how their responsibilities directly relate to the patient’s care outcomes.
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