Word parts
What it means
The set of methods used to prevent any germs from reaching sterile parts of the body. It is used in the operating room and for procedures such as inserting a urinary catheter or central line, or caring for some wounds. It differs from medical asepsis (clean technique), which reduces the number and spread of germs, for example by hand hygiene and clean gloves, without removing all of them.
For the nurse
Key rules: a sterile item touches only another sterile item; keep sterile items above the waist and in sight; do not reach across a sterile field; any doubt means contaminated. Open packages away from the body first, and toward the body last.
At a glance
| Spanish | asepsia quirúrgica, técnica estéril |
|---|---|
| Also written | sterile technique, sterile techniques |
Related terms
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
sterilization
A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on an item; also a permanent birth control procedure.
sterile
Free of all living microorganisms; also, unable to have children.
contamination
The presence of germs or harmful substances on something that should be clean or sterile.