What it means
A procedure in which the old dressing is removed with clean gloves, then the area is cleaned and covered using a sterile field, sterile gloves and sterile supplies. It is used for some surgical wounds, deep wounds and central line sites, where germs could easily cause infection. Many other wounds only need clean technique.
For the nurse
Do hand hygiene, explain the procedure and give pain medicine first if needed. Assess the wound and the old dressing, and chart the wound's size, drainage and the look of the skin around it.
At a glance
| Also written | sterile dressing changes |
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Related terms
surgical asepsis
Practices that keep an area or object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique.
wound care
The cleaning, protecting and dressing of a wound to help it heal and to prevent infection.
sterile field
An area set up with sterile drapes and supplies, kept free of all germs, for a sterile procedure.