Unit Two – Clean, Aseptic, and Sterile Technique
Learning Outcomes
Identify and apply the clean, aseptic, and sterile technique required for common OMS procedures
Goal
Prevent (nosocomial) healthcare associated infections
Proper use of a clean, aseptic, or sterile technique reduces or eliminates microbes transferred to patients during OMS procedures
• A clean technique is NOT used in a surgical, invasive procedure
ALL SURGICAL PROCEDURES IN OMS ARE INVASIVE PROCEDURES
Definition: Invasive Procedures
The differences are subtle!
• Sterile technique refers to the absence of all pathogens

Remember: DO TOUCH ANYTHING EXCEPT STERILE EQUIPMENT OR ITEMS THAT HAVE A BARRIER ONCE YOU’VE DONNED YOUR GLOVES!

Examples:
Pathogen | Survival on Hard Surface |
Herpes (simplex or zoster) | 1 hour (3 days on hand towel) |
Hepatitis B/C/D | B: 1 week or more |
HIV/AIDS | 5-6 days |
Cold & Flu Viruses | 24 hours |
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) | days-weeks |
Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3375115/
Remember that asepsis is the reduction of pathogens: be aware of all surfaces that can be contaminated.
Gloves are cheap, but if you’re organized you can reduce the number of gloves needed to maintain the chain of asepsis.
It’s easy to get a false sense of asepsis just because you’re wearing gloves.