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Asepsis is the state of being free from disease-causing contaminants (such as bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and parasites). The term asepsis also often refers to those practices used to
promote or induce asepsis in an operative field in surgery or medicine to prevent
infection. Ideally, a field is "sterile" — free of all biological contaminants, not just those
that can cause disease, putrefaction, or fermentation — but that is a situation that is
difficult to attain. However, elimination of infection is the goal of asepsis, not sterility.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 History
• 2 Methods
• 3 See also

• 4 External links

[edit] History
The modern concept of asepsis evolved in the 19th century. Semmelweis showed that
washing the hands prior to delivery reduced puerperal fever. After the suggestion by
Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid as an
antiseptic and reduced surgical infections rates. Lawson Tait went from antisepsis to
asepsis, introducing principles and practices that have remained valid to this day. Ernst
von Bergmann introduced the autoclave, a device used for the practice of the sterilization
of surgical instruments.

[edit] Methods
Today's techniques include a series of steps that complement each other. Foremost
remains good hygienic practice. 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 iodine solution 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. Irrigation is used in the
surgical site. Suture material or xenografts have 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.

[edit] See also

• Sterilization (microbiology)
• Disinfectant (measurements of effectiveness)

[edit] External links

• History
• Definition

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asepsis"

Categories: Surgery | Medical hygiene | Antiseptics