Asepsis

Asepsis is the practice to reduce or eliminate contaminants (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) from entering the operative field in surgeryor medicineto prevent infection. Ideally, a field is "sterile" ? free of contaminants ? a situation that is difficult to attain. However, the goal is elimination of infection, not sterility.

Related terms

Antiseptis is a term that is used sometimes as a synonym, but also applies to the uses of antiseptics. Antisepticsare agents that reduce or kill germs chemically and are applied to skin and wound surfaces. In contrast, disinfectantsare chemicals applied to inert surfaces and are usually too harsh to be used on biological surfaces. Antibioticskill specifically bacteria and work biochemically; they can be used externally or internally.

History

The first step in asepsis is cleanliness, a concept already espoused by Hippocrates. The modern concept of asepsis evolved in the 19th century. Semmelweisshowed that washing the hands prior to delivery reduced puerperal fever. After the suggestion by Louis Pasteur, Listerintroduced the use of carbolic acid as an antiseptic and reduced surgical infections rates. Taitwent from antisepsis to asepsis, introducing principles and practices that have remained valid unto this day. Von Bermann introduced the autoclave, a device used for the sterilization of surgical instruments.

Methods

Today's techniques include a series of steps that complement each other. Foremost remains good hygienicpractice. The procedure room is laid out according to specific guidelines, subject to regulations concerning filtering and airflow, and kept clean between surgical cases. A patient who is brought for the procedure is washed and wears a clean gown. The surgical site is washed, possibly shaved, and skin is exposed to a germicide(i.e., an iodinesolution such as betadine). In turn, members of the surgical team wash hands and arms with germicidal solution. Operating surgeons and nurses wear sterile gowns and gloves. Hair is covered and a surgical mask is worn. Instruments are sterilized through autoclaving, or, if disposable, are used once only. Irrigation is used in the surgical site. Suturematerial or xenographshave been sterilized beforehand. Dressing material is sterile. Antibiotics are often not necessary in a "clean" case, that is, a surgical procedure where no infection is apparent; however, when a case is considered "contaminated", they are usually indicated.

Dirty and biologically contaminated material is subject to regulated disposal.

External links

• History
• Antisepsis and Asepsis
• Definitionde:Asepsis

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asepsis Wikipedia article Asepsis.