Aseptic technique: Purpose, benefits, and types - Medical News Today

According to the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy, the five most common HCAIs cost the United States approximately $9.8 billion a year.Aseptic techniques range from simple practices, such as using alcohol to sterilize the skin, to full surgical asepsis, which involves the use of sterile gowns, gloves, and masks.Healthcare professionals use aseptic technique practices in hospitals, surgery rooms, outpatient care clinics, and other healthcare settings.Using aseptic technique prevents the spread of infection by harmful germs. Non-touch practices prohibit healthcare professionals from touching key parts of objects, such as syringe tips and the inside of sterile dressings, even when they are wearing gloves.The medical community define clean technique as a modified form of aseptic technique, as maintaining proper hygiene and a clean environment will help achieve asepsis.People working in a variety of healthcare settings use aseptic technique. Aseptic technique is not the same as surgical asepsis, also known as sterile technique, which refers to a set of infection control practices that it is necessary to use in operating rooms.According to the U.S. Joint Commission, there are several different aspects of aseptic technique practices:We discuss each of these below.Barriers prevent the transfer of germs between healthcare professionals, patients, and the environment.