Sterile Technique

Medical Asepsis-In Hospital Changing linens daily Handwashing Using clean medication cups

Medical Asepsis at Home Wash hands before preparing food Using disposable drinking cups in bathroom Mopping the kitchen floor

Clean vs Contaminated Clean Contaminated (dirty) Presence of some microorganisms but the absence of infectious agents Contaminated (dirty) Presence of some disease-producing microorganisms

Sterile Technique Refers to those practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms Includes practices that destroy all microorganisms and spores Commonly used Operating rooms Labor & delivery rooms Special diagnostic areas

Sterile Technique Procedures in general care areas Administering injections Changing wound dressings Performing urinary catheterizations Administering IV therapy Respiratory suction

Indications for Sterile Technique Patient’s skin is intentionally perforated Skin is diseased or injured Catheter or surgical instrument is inserted into a body cavity that is considered sterile

Principle #1 Check package for intactness and dryness NEVER ASSUME AN ITEM IS STERILE Always check chemical indicators of sterilization before using a package

Principle #2 Handle sterile objects that will touch open wounds or enter body cavities Only with sterile forceps or sterile gloved hands

Principle #3 Once left unattended, a sterile field is considered unsterile Do not turn your back on a sterile field Keep sterile gloved hands in sight and above waist level

Principle #4 Hair should be prevented from falling on sterile objects Keep talking to a minimum when working over a sterile field Try to keep from reaching over a sterile field Doors are closed and traffic kept to a minimum where sterile procedure is being done

Principle #5 Wet forceps are always held with the tips below the handles

Principle #6 Sterile waterproof barriers are used beneath sterile objects The sterile covers on sterile equipment are kept dry

Principle #7 A one-inch margin at each edge of an opened drape is considered unsterile All sterile objects are placed more than one-inch inside the edges of a sterile field.

Principle #8 Sterile gloves are worn and/or sterile forceps are used to handle sterile items.

Principle #9 When a sterile object become unsterile, it does not necessarily change in appearance The person who sees a sterile object become contaminated must correct the situation

Opening on a Flat Surface Place it above waist level on a clean, dry surface Place it in the center of the work area so that the top flap opens away from you

Opening the first flap

Opening 2nd flap to the side

Pulling last flap toward self

Opening a wrapped package while holding it

Opening a sterile package with an unsealed corner

Open a sterile package with a partially sealed edge

Holding forceps with tips lower than the hand

Grasp the glove for the dominant hand--touch only the cuff

Keep the thumb of the inserted hand against the palm of the hand

Insert the gloved fingers under the cuff

Pull on second glove carefully Pull on second glove carefully. Hold the thumb of the first hand outermost.