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Nursing vocabulary · Infection Control

Aseptic technique

Meaning in nursing, with examples

/eɪˈsɛptɪk tɛkˈniːk/nounCommon term

In nursing, aseptic technique means: A set of working methods that stops germs from getting into a wound, a vein or another part of the body during a procedure.

In Turkish: aseptik teknik, asepsi

How it is used

Used for procedures such as dressing changes, catheter insertion and preparing IV medicines. It includes hand hygiene, sterile equipment and not touching key parts. Many UK hospitals teach a standard version called ANTT (Aseptic Non Touch Technique). 'Clean technique' is a less strict approach.

Example sentences

  1. Use aseptic technique when you change the central line dressing.

  2. Her competency assessment checked that she follows aseptic technique when preparing IV drugs.

Common collocations

  • use aseptic technique
  • strict aseptic technique
  • aseptic non-touch technique
  • maintain aseptic technique
  • sterileCompletely free from bacteria and other living microorganisms, so that it can safely touch wounds or the inside of the body.
  • hand hygieneCleaning your hands with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub to remove germs and stop them spreading between patients.
  • dressingA covering put on a wound to protect it, absorb fluid and help it heal, such as a gauze pad, a film or a foam dressing.
  • urinary catheterA thin, flexible tube passed into the bladder, usually through the urethra, to drain urine into a bag.
  • cannulaA thin plastic tube put into a vein, usually in the hand or arm, so that fluids, medicines or blood can be given through it.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Infection Control

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.