Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging
Sciences and Patient Care Ch. 18
Aseptic Technique
In-class activity
Aseptic - ANSWERA product or method that is free of microbiological organisms
In health care settings, what can prevent the spread of potentially fatal infections? -
ANSWERHand washing
How often should a healthcare worker wash their hands? - ANSWERBefore and after
each patient
What is the goal of aseptic technique? - ANSWERTo protect the patient from infection
and prevent the spread of pathogens and harmful microorganisms.
Cleaning - ANSWERRemoves dirt and other impurities
Sanitizing - ANSWERReduces the number of microorganisms to safe levels
Disinfection - ANSWERRemoves most microorganisms but not highly resistant ones
Surgical asepsis - ANSWERProtection against infection before, during, and after
surgery by using sterile technique
Medical asepsis - ANSWERThe removal or destruction of infected material
What is a sterile field? - ANSWERA specified area that is considered free of viable
microorganisms
How is a sterile field usually established? - ANSWERA sterile drape
T/F: Nonsterile items are also used in a sterile field. - ANSWERFALSE
If in doubt about an items sterility, it is considered _________? - ANSWERUnsterile
How should you handle an unsterile item in a sterile field? - ANSWERRemove it, cover
it, or replace it.
How do you verify if a sterile field remains sterile? - ANSWERContinually monitor the
sterile tray
How close to the procedure should the sterile tray be established? - ANSWERAs close
to the procedure time as possible
T/F: While sterile, you can go to the bathroom. - ANSWERFALSE; a sterile person
should avoid unsterile areas
At what level is considered sterile? - ANSWERAbove the level of the table or the level
of the waist.
What part of the gown is considered sterile? - ANSWERThe sleeves and the front from
the waist up
How do sterile people pass each other? - ANSWERBack to back
T/F: A sterile person must only touch sterile items - ANSWERTRUE
An unsterile person ________ reach over or above a sterile field. - ANSWERCannot
What must occur if a sterile package becomes wet? - ANSWERIt must be resterilized
or discarded
Sciences and Patient Care Ch. 18
Aseptic Technique
In-class activity
Aseptic - ANSWERA product or method that is free of microbiological organisms
In health care settings, what can prevent the spread of potentially fatal infections? -
ANSWERHand washing
How often should a healthcare worker wash their hands? - ANSWERBefore and after
each patient
What is the goal of aseptic technique? - ANSWERTo protect the patient from infection
and prevent the spread of pathogens and harmful microorganisms.
Cleaning - ANSWERRemoves dirt and other impurities
Sanitizing - ANSWERReduces the number of microorganisms to safe levels
Disinfection - ANSWERRemoves most microorganisms but not highly resistant ones
Surgical asepsis - ANSWERProtection against infection before, during, and after
surgery by using sterile technique
Medical asepsis - ANSWERThe removal or destruction of infected material
What is a sterile field? - ANSWERA specified area that is considered free of viable
microorganisms
How is a sterile field usually established? - ANSWERA sterile drape
T/F: Nonsterile items are also used in a sterile field. - ANSWERFALSE
If in doubt about an items sterility, it is considered _________? - ANSWERUnsterile
How should you handle an unsterile item in a sterile field? - ANSWERRemove it, cover
it, or replace it.
How do you verify if a sterile field remains sterile? - ANSWERContinually monitor the
sterile tray
How close to the procedure should the sterile tray be established? - ANSWERAs close
to the procedure time as possible
T/F: While sterile, you can go to the bathroom. - ANSWERFALSE; a sterile person
should avoid unsterile areas
At what level is considered sterile? - ANSWERAbove the level of the table or the level
of the waist.
What part of the gown is considered sterile? - ANSWERThe sleeves and the front from
the waist up
How do sterile people pass each other? - ANSWERBack to back
T/F: A sterile person must only touch sterile items - ANSWERTRUE
An unsterile person ________ reach over or above a sterile field. - ANSWERCannot
What must occur if a sterile package becomes wet? - ANSWERIt must be resterilized
or discarded
