MOD 3 - Sterile Methods and Safety Needle

Watch Preparing an Inj from a Vial on BCIT LH

Watch Preparing an Inj from an ampoule on BCIT LH

medical vs. surgical asepsis

• Medical Asepsis: reduce the number and spread of microorganisms

• Surgical Asepsis: completely remove and prevent transmission of microorganisms and their spores from the surface of an object

methods of sterilizing medical equipment

• chemical treatment (low-temperature sterilization)

• radiation

• heat

• ethylene oxide (for items that can not withstand moisture and high temperatures)

purpose of chemical indicators

used to monitor whether the parameters to achieve sterilization have been met for a specific sterilization process

• steam

• vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization

Guidelines for Sterile Technique

• A wet sterile field is always contaminated if there is no sterile barrier beneath it

• Pour solutions away from the label

Watch how to set up sterile tray on BCIT LH

Sequence of Setting up Sterile Tray

1. Open the disposable tray, being careful to open it using standard medical aseptic methods. (Flap farthest, both sides, then towards)

2. Open and drop a package of 4x4 gauze and any additional procedure specific supplies onto the sterile field. 

3. Pour antiseptic solution into one of the small compartments in the tray (your solution bowl) and recap solution bottle.

4. Put on sterile gloves using the “open” method.

5. Arrange sterile supplies as close as possible to the centre of the field and in a logical sequence for future use

Needle Stick Injury Prevention Guidelines

• Use of safety-engineered sharp devices

• Never recap a used needle

• only way to recap a used needle (if necessary) is to scoop the cap with one hand

• safely disposing used needles

• Sharps containers are to be replaced when they are 3/4 full