Aseptic or non touch technique

The main aim of this technique is to reduce the risk of cross-infection or contamination during clinical procedures. The equipment required will be dependent upon the task but generally includes a dressing trolley or other clean working surface, sterile gloves, disposable apron, sterile dressing pack, sterile forceps (if required), sterile fluids, syringe and receptacle (if necessary), appropriate dressing(s) and hypo-allergenic tape. The procedure is outlined below.

Procedure	Rationale
Explain procedure to the client, ensure adequate understanding and obtain consent	To gain informed consent and ensure co-operation
Encourage the client to adopt an appropriate and comfortable position and loosen dressing(s) without exposing the patient unduly	To reduce anxiety, promote comfort and facilitate ease of procedure whilst maintaining dignity
Prepare the environment and allow airborne dust and micro-organisms to settle before proceeding	To reduce the potential for cross-infection
Put on appropriate plastic apron and wash hands thoroughly (see above)	To reduce the risk of cross-infection and to remove transient organisms
Clean dressing trolley with alcoholic surface wipe or soap and water if debris evident, cleaning from top to bottom and drying thoroughly (refer to local policy)	To provide a clean working surface. Washing from top to bottom moves any microorganisms down from the work surface and reduces the likelihood of recontamination
Collect all equipment and place on bottom shelf of trolley	Maintains a clean empty work surface
Take trolley/equipment to the client, disturbing the area as little as possible	To minimize airborne contamination
Check the expiry date on sterile dressing pack; make sure it is intact and dry. Open the outer cover of the pack and slide the contents onto the trolley top	To ensure that only sterile products are used
Open sterile field/paper using corners only and position over work surface	To reduce the risk of contamination and to provide a sterile working area
Position contents of pack then check and open any other packages, maintaining sterility of field	To ensure all equipment is sterile and readily accessible
Remove soiled dressing(s) using forceps	To reduce risk of contamination
Wash hands thoroughly using appropriate cleaning agent	To reduce risk of cross-contamination
If using sterile gloves apply now, touching only the inside of the cuff	To maintain sterility of glove. Gloves allow greater dexterity for user and reduce risk of further trauma for client
Place sterile field around area, e.g. wound, perineum	To provide a sterile working area in close proximity to area requiring cleaning or dressing and to reduce the risk of contamination
Cleanse the wound if necessary	Wounds only require cleaning if infected, and should be irrigated rather than swabbed, to reduce the likelihood of tissue damage. Clean wounds should always be dressed first to reduce the potential for cross-infection
Apply and secure dressing as appropriate, ensuring client comfort	To protect the wound, promote healing and ensure client compliance
Dispose of clinical waste and instruments as per universal precautions and hospital policy	To reduce risk of contamination to others or environment
Dispose of apron and gloves, if worn, in appropriate receptacle	To reduce the risk of cross-infection
Wash and dry dressing trolley	To reduce the risk of cross-infection
Wash hands thoroughly	To reduce the risk of cross-infection
Document care given and report any changes or abnormalities in evaluation	Legal requirement to maintain documentation and safeguard client through effective communication