What is medical asepsis?

Medical asepsis, often referred to as "clean technique," is a fundamental concept in infection control that aims to reduce the number and spread of microorganisms. This practice focuses on maintaining a clean environment to prevent infections, particularly in healthcare settings. It involves various methods such as handwashing, using barriers like gloves and masks, and cleaning surfaces to minimize the risk of contamination.

This approach is distinct from surgical asepsis, which involves sterile techniques designed to eliminate all microorganisms from the environment during surgical procedures. While methods to prevent droplet transmission and isolation protocols for specific diseases are also important aspects of infection control, they do not encapsulate the broader concept of medical asepsis. Thus, understanding that medical asepsis centers around maintaining cleanliness and reducing pathogens is crucial in various healthcare scenarios.