Aseptic technique vs. clean technique

Keeping the environment as clean as possible is always important in preventing infections. However, some situations call for aseptic technique while others call for clean techniques.

Healthcare providers learn both aseptic and clean techniques as part of their training. The goal of the aseptic technique is to eliminate germs entirely. The goal of the clean technique is to reduce the number of germs whenever possible. Clean techniques are important for all healthcare providers and their patients because they prevent infections every day.

Examples of clean techniques include washing hands and putting on clean gloves when needed. Healthcare providers keep a patient’s surroundings as clean as possible, but they aren’t using sterile items or aseptic technique.

Keeping the environment as clean as possible is always important in preventing infections. However, some situations call for aseptic technique while others call for clean techniques.

Aseptic techniques

Bacteria are everywhere, and some are good for us while others are harmful. Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause disease are called pathogens. To protect patients from harmful bacteria and other pathogens during medical procedures, healthcare providers use aseptic technique.

Aseptic technique means using practices and procedures to prevent contamination from pathogens. It involves applying the strictest rules to minimize the risk of infection. Healthcare workers use aseptic technique in surgery rooms, clinics, outpatient care centers, and other health care settings.

Aseptic technique benefits

Whenever your skin is opened, you’re vulnerable to infection. That’s why it’s critical for you to get prompt treatment for burns and wounds. Even intentional cuts during surgery put you at risk for infection. The way healthcare providers use aseptic techniques before, during, and after your procedure help protect you from infection.

When you need surgery or other procedures that require aseptic technique, you’re already vulnerable to infections. You need your immune system to be at its strongest to heal. You have a better chance of a recovery if you don’t have to fight off an infection.