Medical asepsis is the cleanliness of medical instruments and supplies. It is the process of preventing infection by removing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are two types of medical asepsis: sterilisation and disinfection.
-Sterilisation is the complete destruction of all microorganisms on an object. This can be accomplished through various means, including boiling, autoclaving, irradiation, and chemical sterilants.
-Disinfection is the reduction of the number of microorganisms on an object to a safe level. This can be done through physical means, such as heat or filtration, or through chemical means, such as bleach or alcohol.
Medical aseptic technique is important in both healthcare settings and home settings. In healthcare settings, it is essential to preventing the spread of infection. In home settings, it can help to reduce the risk of illness.
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Medical aseptic technique is a set of specific procedures and practices that are used to prevent the transmission of disease. The goal of medical aseptic technique is to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the environment from infection.
There are four basic principles of medical aseptic technique:
1. Keep it clean – always wash your hands and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
2. Keep it sterile – use sterile equipment and materials when performing invasive procedures.
3. Keep it separate – maintain a clean area for patient care and a dirty area for waste disposal.
4. Keep it safe – follow standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Aseptic technique must be used whenever there is potential for contact with blood, body fluids, or mucous membranes. This includes activities such as wound care, injections, catheter insertion, and specimen collection. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and assume that surfaces are contaminated.