Aseptic technique
Aseptic technique is a key component of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standard for Preventing and Controlling Infections.
The aim of aseptic technique is to protect patients from the introduction of pathogens during clinical procedures. Consistent, well performed aseptic technique helps prevent and control healthcare-associated infections.
The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare provide the 5 essential principles of aseptic technique in section 3.1.6 as below:
- Sequencing:
- Performing a risk assessment
- Pre-procedure preparation
- Performing the procedure
- Post procedure practices, handover and documentation.
- Environmental control:
- Prior to aseptic procedures, healthcare workers must ensure there are no avoidable nearby environmental risk factors, such as bed making or patients using commodes.
- Hand hygiene:
- Perform hand hygiene before a procedure and after a procedure or body fluid exposure.
- Maintenance of aseptic fields:
- Cleaning and/or disinfection of equipment and patient prior to procedure(s)
- Establishing an aseptic field
- Use of sterile equipment
- Maintenance of the aseptic field, including protecting the key sites and key parts
- Use of a non-touch technique.
- PPE:
- Correct selection and use of sterile and non-sterile PPE.
More detailed guidance for healthcare workers on aseptic technique for can be found in this guide from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare: Principles of aseptic technique: Information for healthcare workers.