Aseptic Techniques
Asepsis can be defined as the complete absence of bacteria, fungi, viruses or other microorganisms that could cause disease. Aseptic techniques refer to a set of skills that are used to ensure any environment being examined or dressed remains free from micro-organisms by not directly touching the wound or any other surface that might come into contact with the wound (McFerran and Martin 2008).
Sterilization techniques and effective hand washing technique also play a major role in maintaining aseptic conditions. Aseptic techniques may be adopted in a number of environments including surgery, community and ward based nursing. There are many procedures which require asepsis such as inserting a catheter, suturing a wound (Aziz 2009) or inserting a vascular access device (NICE 2013).
I will be looking at the use of aseptic techniques when dressing a wound in particular. Wounds can be divided into two categories, surgical and traumatic. Surgical wounds are produced and closed under controlled conditions intended to prevent the access of microbes, healing by primary intention. Traumatic wounds may be heavily contaminated with microorganisms and are left open to cleanse and heal by secondary intention (Ayliffe et al 1999).
Wound dressings are carried out frequently on wards and in the community and can involve leg ulcers, pressure sores and less superficial wounds healing by primary intention. Wounds healing by secondary intention are left open to allow the free drainage of exudate and the formation of granulation tissue to fill the cavity (3M 2013).
I will explain the importance of the techniques used, when it is required for them to be used and why it is relevant to contemporary nursing practice. I will discuss the risks associated with the techniques, how they should be performed with a range of opinions from evidence based practice including the rationale behind the technique.
The aseptic ‘non-touch’ technique (ANTT) is based upon theoretical framework and
Sterilization techniques and effective hand washing technique also play a major role in maintaining aseptic conditions. Aseptic techniques may be adopted in a number of environments including surgery, community and ward based nursing. There are many procedures which require asepsis such as inserting a catheter, suturing a wound (Aziz 2009) or inserting a vascular access device (NICE 2013).
I will be looking at the use of aseptic techniques when dressing a wound in particular. Wounds can be divided into two categories, surgical and traumatic. Surgical wounds are produced and closed under controlled conditions intended to prevent the access of microbes, healing by primary intention. Traumatic wounds may be heavily contaminated with microorganisms and are left open to cleanse and heal by secondary intention (Ayliffe et al 1999).
Wound dressings are carried out frequently on wards and in the community and can involve leg ulcers, pressure sores and less superficial wounds healing by primary intention. Wounds healing by secondary intention are left open to allow the free drainage of exudate and the formation of granulation tissue to fill the cavity (3M 2013).
I will explain the importance of the techniques used, when it is required for them to be used and why it is relevant to contemporary nursing practice. I will discuss the risks associated with the techniques, how they should be performed with a range of opinions from evidence based practice including the rationale behind the technique.
The aseptic ‘non-touch’ technique (ANTT) is based upon theoretical framework and