2. Definition
Asepsis is the state of being free from
disease-causing contaminants (such as
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) or,
preventing contact with microorganisms.
The term asepsis often refers to those
practices used to promote or induce asepsis
in an operative field in surgery or medicine
to prevent infection.
3.
4. ASEPSIS
Medical Surgical
any practice that
helps reduce the
number and spread
of microorganisms.
the complete
removal of
microorganisms and
their spores from the
surface of an object
10. Surgical asepsis
Interrupting at the
level of casuative
organism & reservoir
Interrupting at the level
of portal of exit & entry
Hand washing
Patient skin
preparation
Disinfectants on
objeects
Sterilisation of
instruments &
drapes
Proper attire
Gloves, gown,
mask, surgical
drapes
11.
12. During the procedure
The following precautions must be taken by the
scrub practitioner:
The sterile field should be constantly observed
and not left unattended at any time
Conversation should be kept to a minimum in the
surgical area
The number of personnel in the theatre and
around the surgical field should be limited
Movement around the sterile field, including the
opening and closing of doors should be kept to a
minimum
Non-perforating devices should be used to secure
equipment to the sterile field
13. Non-sterile equipment should be covered
with sterile barriers before placing them in or
over the sterile field
Scrub staff should remain should remain close
to the sterile field
When changing positions scrub staff should
pass back-to-back or face-to-face
Scrubbed staff should avoid changing levels,
ie sitting and standing
A wide space should be observed between
scrubbed staff and non-scrubbed staff
The level of the surgical field is established by
the level of the surgical site
14. The following precautions must be taken by unsterile
staff:
Unsterile staff should face the sterile field on
approach
Unsterile staff should not touch or lean over the
sterile field
Unsterile staff should not walk between two
components of the sterile field
If extra items are required to be added to the sterile
field the packaging must be inspected to ensure that:
It is the required item.
The package integrity has been maintained.
The sterilisation indicator is present.
It has not exceeded its expiry date.
The packaging is not wet
15. Removal of microorganisms and their spores
must be complete, or the article is not sterile.
Disinfection
To remove as many micoorganisms as possible
from a surface by physical or chemical means.
Articles or surfaces that cannot be sterilized in the
OR or special procedure room must be disinfected.
24. Removing and
Reapplying Dressings
• You must not remove or reapply dressing
• All dressings must be treated as if they are
contaminated, because drainage from
wounds may harbor pathogenic
microorganisms
25. • By following such simple day to day practices
in the operating room we can minimise the
infection rates
• Hence surgeons may even not rely on
antibiotics for the complete result of their
surgical outcome without any infective
complications