Aseptic technique types
According to The Joint Commission, there are four chief aspects of the aseptic technique: barriers, patient equipment and preparation, environmental controls, and contact guidelines. Each plays an important role in infection prevention during a medical procedure.
Barriers
Barriers protect the patient from the transfer of pathogens from a healthcare worker, from the environment, or from both. Some barriers used in aseptic technique include:
- sterile gloves
- sterile gowns
- masks for the patient and healthcare provider
- sterile drapes
- use betadine
- use of alcohol
- use of chlorhexidine
Sterile barriers are those that have not touched a contaminated surface. They’re specially packaged and cleaned items. Healthcare workers put them on or use them in specific ways that minimize exposure to germs.
When starting an IV all equipment must be sterile. However the use of sterile gloves is not strictly enforced as long as the healthcare provider does not touch the sterile area after it is cleaned.
