Surgical Asepsis

Surgical asepsis are those practices that make and keep objects and areas absent of all micro-organisms, including pathogens and spores. The patient is protected from the environment.

Principle of Surgical Asepsis A sterile object remains sterile only when touched by another sterile object Sterile + Sterile= Sterile Sterile + Clean=Contaminated Sterile + Contaminated= Contaminated Sterile + Questionable= Contaminated

Principle of Surgical Asepsis Only sterile objects may be placed on a sterile field A sterile object or field out of the range of vision or an object held below a person’s waist is contaminated. Never turn your back on a sterile tray or leave it unattended. If necessary to leave the room cover the sterile field with a sterile towel.

Principle of Surgical Asepsis A sterile object or field becomes contaminated by prolonged exposure to air. Never reach across a sterile field, avoid talking, laughing, sneezing over the field, avoid shaking linen, etc.

Principle of Surgical Asepsis A sterile object or field becomes contaminated by capillary action when a sterile surface comes in contact with a wet contaminated surface. Avoid spills on the field Fluids flow in the direction of gravity- Keep transfer forceps tip down if they are stored in a disinfectant solution. This principle applies to the surgical scrub also.

Principle of Surgical Asepsis The edges of a sterile field or container are considered to be contaminated. One inch border around the drape and the part of the drape that hangs over the table edge is considered contaminated. Pour off the lip of a bottle of solution

Performing Sterile Procedures Opening Sterile Packages: Sterile supplies are never kept in the same room as dirty equipment Sterile items have dated labels or chemical tapes to ensure sterility- always check expiration dates Different types of wrappers are used: muslin, paper, plastic Check for integrity of packaging (check for tears and wetness of wrapper)

Performing Sterile Procedures Adding sterile supplies to a sterile field Sterile added to sterile only Follow principles of surgical asepsis when adding supplies Pouring sterile solutions Palm the label and place cap on it’s top Pour off 2ml into plastic lined trash can Keep edge of bottle away from sterile objects Practice open sterile gloving