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
Hidden categories: Articles lacking in-text citations from November 2009 | All articles lacking
in-text citations
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