Aseptic Technique
Aseptic technique (also called medical asepsis) is the purposeful reduction of pathogens to prevent the transfer of microorganisms from one person or object to another during a medical procedure.
Overview
In addition to using standard precautions and transmission-based precautions, aseptic technique (also called medical asepsis) is the purposeful reduction of pathogens to prevent the transfer of microorganisms from one person or object to another during a medical procedure. When performed correctly, aseptic technique prevents contamination and transfer of pathogens to the patient from the caregiver's hands, surfaces, and equipment during routine care or procedures. The word “aseptic” literally means an absence of disease-causing microbes and pathogens.
In the clinical setting, aseptic technique refers to the purposeful prevention of microbial contamination from one person or object to another. These potentially infectious microscopic organisms can be present in the environment, on instruments, in liquids, on skin surfaces, or within a wound.
Principles of Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
Aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is the most commonly used aseptic technique framework in the health care setting and is considered a global standard. There are two types of ANTT: surgical ANTT (sterile technique) and standard ANTT.
Aseptic non-touch technique starts with a few concepts that must be understood before it can be applied. For all invasive procedures, the “ANTT-approach” identifies key parts and key sites throughout the preparation and implementation of the procedure. A key part is any sterile part of equipment used during an aseptic procedure, such as needle hubs, syringe tips, needles, and dressings. A key site is any nonintact skin, potential insertion site, or access site used for medical devices connected to the patients. Examples of key sites include open wounds and insertion sites for intravenous (IV) devices and urinary catheters.
ANTT includes four underlying principles to keep in mind while performing invasive procedures:
•Always wash hands effectively.
•Never contaminate key parts.
•Touch non-key parts with confidence.
•Take appropriate infection precautions.
Injection safety includes practices intended to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases between patients or between a patient and a healthcare provider during the preparation and administration of parenteral medications. LifeCare Therapists do not perform injections and are not expected to need to use this technique in the routine delivery of patient care.
Introduction
LifeCare Therapy Services, as an outpatient rehabilitation provider in Broward County, Florida, delivers physical, occupational, and speech therapy in both clinic and home-based settings. This program integrates OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training with CDC-based Standard Precautions, tailored to the unique challenges of outpatient and home-based therapy. Our policies and the associated training address regulatory requirements, infection transmission, practical application scenarios, and documentation, ensuring that all staff are equipped to protect themselves and their patients across diverse environments.
Regulatory Context
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies to all persons with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), including therapists providing direct patient care in both clinic and home settings. Key definitions include:
Bloodborne Pathogens: Microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease (e.g., HBV, HCV, HIV).
Occupational Exposure: Anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or OPIM.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specialized clothing or equipment for protection against hazards.
Engineering Controls: Devices that isolate or remove hazards (e.g., sharps containers, needleless systems).
Work Practice Controls: Procedures that reduce exposure risk by altering how tasks are performed (e.g., no recapping of needles).
Employers must establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP), provide initial and annual training, offer Hepatitis B vaccination, and ensure post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.
CDC Standard Precautions and Outpatient Guidance
CDC’s Standard Precautions are the minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status, in any healthcare setting—including outpatient clinics and home care. These include:
•Hand hygiene
•Use of PPE based on anticipated exposure
•Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
•Safe injection practices
•Environmental cleaning and disinfection
•Safe handling of laundry and waste
CDC’s Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings outlines the minimum expectations for safe care, emphasizing the importance of consistent application across all therapy environments.