Key Surgical Aseptic Principles and Techniques
You learned in module 5 about the importance of breaking the chain of infection through environmental cleaning, use of antibiotics, and transmission-based precautions to reduce risk of Surgical Site Infections. Now we will take a deeper dive into other ways to prevent SSIs through surgical aseptic principles and techniques including:
What is Asepsis?
Asepsis can be defined as the absence of infectious organisms (King & Spry, 2019).
It is impossible to eliminate infectious organisms, but by implementing aseptic practices in the OR, with appropriate use of antibiotics, perioperative personnel can help avoid SSIs.
KEY aseptic principles that are implemented in the OR include:
- Ensuring that only sterile items are added to the surgical field, using proper sterile technique.
- Considering any item as contaminated if doubt exists related to its sterility.
- Considering a packaged item as contaminated if its barrier or seal has been permeated.
- Considering areas of scrubbed personnel’s gown to be deemed sterile and maintaining them as such.
- Using sterile drapes to create the sterile field.
- Dispensing items in a way that ensures the integrity of the sterile field.
- Limiting movement around the sterile field and taking care to maintain sterility.
- Making sure all members of the surgical team adhere to sterile techniques.
How to establish the Sterile Field – Start with the Environment
It is vital to establish an aseptic environment before establishing the sterile field. This can be done by:
- Ensuring that all environmental factors such as temperature, airflow, and humidity are controlled. (See module 5)
- Limiting traffic and unnecessary personnel in the OR environment.
- Ensuring that doors to the OR remain closed except for essential reasons.
- Ensuring that all personnel are wearing the appropriate attire and required PPE.
(ORNAC, 2021)