Sterility

Sterility can be defined as free from live bacteria or other microorganisms. Dermal integrity is compromised during surgery and access is gained to the inner tissues of the body and microorganisms have free range to these tissues causing infection and disease. In general, bacteria contaminate the surgical wounds through the patient’s endogenous flora, operating room, personnel, and environment. Rules of aseptic technique must be followed in order to prevent contamination and infection. The aseptic technique that will be discussed are the methods of sterility to prevent cross contamination by proper preparation of the surgical site, surgical team, and surgical equipment.
Before surgery, it is important to identify the patient, procedure, and site of surgery. The patient should be bathed 1 day before the procedure to remove loose hair, debris, and external parasites. Hair is to be clipped liberally around the site so the incision stays within the sterile field. A general guideli...