Step-by-Step Account of Surgical Asepsis
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Preparation of the Operating Room
- Ensure that the operating room is clean and free of clutter.
- Use disinfectants to clean all surfaces, including the operating table, surgical instruments, and equipment.
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Personal Hygiene
- Perform hand hygiene thoroughly, using an antibacterial soap or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Ensure nails are trimmed and free of polish, and remove any jewelry or watches.
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Surgical Scrub
- Conduct a surgical scrub using an antimicrobial solution. Scrub hands and forearms up to the elbows for at least 5-10 minutes, scrubbing under your nails and between fingers.
- Rinse hands and forearms under running water without touching the sink after the scrub.
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Donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Put on a sterile surgical gown that covers from neck to knee and ties in the back.
- Wear a surgical mask and goggles to protect the face.
- Put on sterile gloves, ensuring the first glove is donned by touching only the inner portion and the second glove is donned with the help of the first, to maintain sterility.
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Preparation of the Sterile Field
- Open sterile instrument packs using the proper technique to maintain sterility, avoiding contact with the sterile contents.
- Arrange instruments and supplies in the order they will be used on a sterile field, ensuring all items are within reach and no non-sterile items are present.
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Patient Preparation
- Position the patient on the operating table and ensure comfort and safety.
- Clean the surgical site with an antiseptic solution, working from the center outward and allowing it to dry completely.
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Conducting the Procedure
- Perform the surgical procedure using sterile techniques, ensuring that no non-sterile items or personnel come into contact with sterile areas.
- Maintain a sterile environment throughout the procedure by using sterile instruments and by ensuring that all personnel adhere to aseptic protocols.
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Post-Operative Care
- After the procedure, ensure that the sterile field is properly disposed of and that all instruments are cleaned and sterilized according to facility protocols.
- Remove PPE carefully to avoid contamination and perform hand hygiene once again.
Differences Between Surgical Asepsis and General Medical Asepsis
Surgical asepsis, also known as sterile technique, is specifically aimed at eliminating all microorganisms from surgical sites and instruments, thereby preventing infection during invasive procedures. It involves rigorous protocols for maintaining sterility and involves a sterile field, sterile instruments, and strict guidelines for personnel.
On the other hand, general medical asepsis focuses on reducing the number and transmission of pathogens through cleanliness and disinfection. It includes practices like regular handwashing, cleaning surfaces, and using gloves when necessary, but it does not necessitate the complete elimination of all microorganisms. General medical asepsis is appropriate for non-invasive procedures or in situations where the risk of infection is lower.