Creation of a germfree environment to protect a patient from infection. Aseptic technique is used during surgery and when caring for people suffering from diseases, such as leukaemia, in which the immune system is suppressed. All people who come in contact with the patient must scrub their hands and wear pre-sterilized gowns and disposable gloves and masks. Surgical instruments are sterilized in an autoclave. The patient’s skin is cleaned with antiseptic solutions of iodine or hexachlorophene. A special ventilation system in the operating theatre purifies the air. (See also isolation.)
Aseptic technique |
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