IMPLEMENT ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT

I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F G O O G L E I M A G E S

8.02 Aseptic Techniques

Aseptic Techniques

Practice keeping a sterile environment and keeping the environment disease and contaminate free

Sterile techniques: Washing hands frequently Wearing gloves when handling animals Cleaning all surfaces with disinfectants

Aseptic Techniques

Nosocomial infection – when a human causes the spread of disease and the contamination of an animal Unsterile surgical practices Contamination of a healthy animal due to unsafe

sterile practices Allowing contagious animals to be in contact with

healthy animals

Housekeeping and General Cleaning

Practice good hygiene and odor control

It is important that the veterinary assistant be familiar with the facilities cleaning and disinfecting methods and with chemicals available

“clean as you go” attitude

Cleaning must be done properly

Hand Hygiene

Most common method of spreading disease is through direct hand contact

Antibacterial soap and use hand sanitizer

Signs throughout the facility to remind all staff members to wash their hands

Exam Room Sanitation

Safety and disease controlCleaned after every patient that is seen in the room

and at the end of the dayBegin cleaning at a starting point Work clockwiseAlways clean, using an up and down motion or side to

sideTrash should always be cleaned up on a regular basisCold tray chemicals should be changed on a regular

basisFloor should be swept and cleared

Veterinary Sanitation Chemicals and Cleaners

Antiseptics – solutions that destroy microorganisms or inhibit their growth on living tissues and are effective disinfecting agents Spectrum of activity – refers to what the agent will kill such

as viruses, bacteria, or fungus Appropriate surface uses – refers to the types the agents

may use to clean Contact time of the solution – refers to how long the

disinfectant should sit before being cleaned from the surface Inhibiting factors – refers to uses that should be avoided

when using the disinfectant Toxic effects – refers to the hazardous effects that use of the

agent may have to humans or animals

Laundering Materials

Important part of sanitation and disease control plan

Sort by: Surgical materials Regular hospital materials Contagious items

Most items may require pretreating

High temperatures should be used

Surgical Asepsis

Prevention of any organisms from entering the patient via surgical incision, inhalation, or IV anesthesia

All items in use must be sterile

Ventilation of surgical suite must be separate from normal hospital ventilation

Only surgical procedures should be performed

Surgical Suite Maintenance

Ceiling sanitation: Spot clean daily Mopped once per week Change ventilation filters weekly

Wall sanitation: Spot cleaned after each procedure Mopped daily

Surgical Suite Maintenance

Counter and shelf sanitation: Disinfected daily Spot clean between each surgery Used items in medical waste container should be

disposed of each day

Floor sanitation: Mopped daily and between surgeries as needed Dual mop method

Surgical Suite Maintenance

Equipment: Cleaned and disinfected, following manufacturer’s

recommendation Permanent fixtures cleaned daily Clean table after each use Surgical ties washed weekly unless soiled

Surgical Preparation

Make patient urinate

Clip surgical area

Prep skin with surgical scrub

Place patient on table

Apply monitors

Surgical Pack Preparation

Non-sterile items Hair cover or cap Surgical mask Booties or shoe covers

Sterile items Scrub pack containing bristle brush Sterile linen hand towel Surgical scrub Surgery glove pack with correct-sized gloves Sterile gown pack

Surgery Pack

Sterilized separately Instrument packs ½ surgical drape ¼ surgical drape Towel packs Individual instrument envelopes Bowel packs

Surgery Pack

Pack supplies include: Gauze sponges Laparotomy towel Suture material Surgical blade

Scrub pack Hard bristle brush Sterile hand towel Surgical scrub Surgery gloves

Sterilization Techniques

Autoclave Distilled water heated to high temperature and

pressure to sterilize items Distilled water must be used Don’t pack materials too tightly in autoclave Must run the entire cycle Allow to cool before removing content

Sterilization Techniques

Surgical instruments Cleaned after each use Soak in disinfectant Mechanical cleaning by ultrasonic cleaner can be

done Rinse instruments and thoroughly dry Dip in instrument milk Drain and air dry