Word parts
What it means
The everyday infection-control practices used in most client care, also called clean technique. It reduces germs but does not remove all of them. Hand hygiene, clean gloves, cleaning equipment between clients and keeping clean and dirty items apart are all medical asepsis. Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) is stricter: it removes all germs and is used for surgery, urinary catheters and other procedures that enter sterile parts of the body.
For the nurse
Use medical asepsis for giving oral medications, tube feedings, enemas and routine care. Wash hands before and after every client contact, hold clean items above waist level and away from the uniform, and never put dirty linen on the floor.
At a glance
| Spanish | asepsia médica |
|---|---|
| Also written | clean technique |
Related terms
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
infection control
The policies and practices used in health care to prevent the spread of infection.
standard precautions
The basic infection-control practices used with every client, whether or not an infection is known.