e. Zone.
(1) Medical asepsis. A zone about the isolation unit is established as
contaminated. Everything within the zone of isolation is contaminated. Nothing goes
out of the zone without being disinfected or wrapped in a clean cover to permit handling
in a clean zone.
(2) Surgical asepsis. A zone about the site of operation or wound is
established as a sterile field. Once a sterile article touches an unsterile article, it is
contaminated (unsterile). Only sterile articles are brought into the sterile field.
f. Handwashing.
(1) Medical asepsis. Hands and forearms are washed for 1 to 2 minutes to
remove surface contaminants and soil. Hands and arms are dried with paper towels.
(2) Surgical asepsis. Hands and forearms are scrubbed for 10 minutes to
reduce the bacterial count on the skin surface. Hands and arms are dried with a sterile
towel.
g. Gowns.
(1) Medical asepsis. Clean gowns are worn to protect the worker. Inside of
gown is clean; outside of gown in contact with patient and his environment is
contaminated.
(2) Surgical asepsis. Sterile gowns are worn to protect the patient from the
worker. Outside of gown that is in contact with the sterile field must be kept sterile.
h. Status of Patient.
(1)
Medical asepsis. Reservoir of infection.
(2) Surgical asepsis. Potential host (other people and environment are
reservoirs of infection).
i.
Goals.
(1)
Medical asepsis. Confine disease organisms and prevent spread to
others.
(2) Surgical asepsis. Reduce number of organisms and prevent spread of
infection to others.
MD0540
2-3