20 principles of Aseptic Technique

Sterilization contact

Sterile individuals and items may only come into contact with sterile areas;Non-sterile individuals and items may only come into contact with non-sterile areas.

Sterile barriers

Sterile Gowns, drapes, gloves, and table covers are barriers between non-sterile surfaces from a sterile surface.

Breaking of sterile barriers

Destruction of the integrity of microbial barriers results in contamination.

Minimal sterile distances

Sterile items, areas, and surfaces must be kept a minimum distance (12 inches) from any non-sterile individuals, items, and surfaces.

Drapes and wrappers

The edge (2 inch) of any sterile drapes and wrappers are considered non-sterile.

Heat-sealed peel packs

The inner edge of a heat-sealed peel pack is considered the line of sterile and non-sterile.

Items falling off table

Any items that fall below the table edge is considered contaminated.

Sterile doubt

If in doubt about an items sterility consider it contaminated.

Sterile gowns

Sterile gowns are considered sterile in the front from mid-chest to table level, and 2 inches above the elbows.

Passing teammates

Sterile team members must pass front-to-front or back-to-back.

None-sterile reaching

Non-sterile individuals must never lean or reach over a sterile surface, they do not pass between two sterile fields.

Sterile reaching

Sterile individuals must never lean or reach over a non-sterile surface, they stay close to the sterile field throughout the procedure.

Sterile movement

Movement within the sterile field is kept to a minimum.

Talking

Talking (non-related) within the sterile field is kept to a minimum.

Drape height

Sterile drapes are considered sterile only at table height.

Drape position

Once drapes have been placed, they should not be repositioned.

Moisture

Moisture carries bacteria from a non-sterile surface to a sterile surface.

Sterile field creation

Sterile field is created as close as possible to time of use and is monitored at all times.

Sterile liquids

Sterile liquids in bottles with an edge(lip) that is protected within a sealed sterile cap may be delivered directly from the bottle into a sterile container on the field.

Chemical indicators

The St must check the chemical indicators to ensure all items have been exposed to the sterilization process.