NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Registered Nurse (RN)
/
Courses
/
Fundamentals of Nursing
/
Infection Prevention & Control
/
Aseptic Technique

Master Aseptic Technique with Picmonic for Nursing RN

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Aseptic Technique

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Standard Precautions
picmonic thumbnail
Contact Precautions
picmonic thumbnail
Droplet-Airborne Precautions

Aseptic Technique

Techniques in A-septic-tank
Picmonic
Aseptic technique is used when there is a need to have added precautions that prevent contamination of a patient or sterile area. This is different from medical asepsis (clean technique) where hand hygiene and barrier techniques are used to prevent the transfer of organisms. Aseptic technique is essential when assisting in a sterile procedure to prevent the contamination of an open wound.
11 KEY FACTS
Invasive Procedures
Invasive Procedure

Sterility is vital during an invasive procedure, such as procedures that require the intentional perforation of the patient's skin (e.g., the insertion of intravenous catheters or administration of injections). Surgical asepsis aims to eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogens and spores from the object. If contamination occurs, sepsis can result.

Skin Integrity Broken
Skin Broken

Surgical aseptic technique is also used outside of the operating room, such as when the skin's integrity is broken as a result of trauma, surgical incision, or burns. In addition, procedures such as inserting a urinary catheter, reapplying a sterile dressing, and tracheobronchial airway suctioning, all require a surgical aseptic technique.

STERILITY
Hands Up for Scrubbing
Hands Up while Scrubbing

When washing your hands, never have the water running down your arm and hands. This can lead to dirty water drops from higher up on your arm dripping down and contaminating your hands. Always wash with your hands higher than your elbows. Your hands/sterile gloves should never drop below your waist.

Keep Objects in View
Objects in View

Always keep your eyes on the sterile field. This way, if there is a question about sterility you can confirm what happened. This is also why everything sterile needs to stay above the waist.

Only Sterile Objects in Field
Only Sterile-sterling Objects allowed in Field

Non-sterile objects cannot enter the sterile field. This would contaminate the field. Even brushing up against the sterile drape will contaminate the field.

Only Sterile Touches Sterile
Sterile-sterling touching Sterile-sterling

If a package is labeled sterile, this means that the objects in the package are sterile and not the package itself. You can open a package and without touching the content of the package, drop the content onto the sterile field.

CONTAMINATION
Edges of Sterile Field
Contaminated Edges of the Sterile-sterling Field

Pay close attention to the edges of a sterile field, because they represent the border beyond which the field is considered contaminated. If a sterile drape is completely covering a table, anything beyond the edge of the table or hanging off it is considered contaminated. If the sterile field doesn't extend to the end of a table, then a 1-inch border around the drape is considered contaminated. Never place anything sterile within the 1-inch border.

If Sterility Questioned
Sterile-sterling with a Question-mark is discarded

If the sterile field is ever questioned, then the field needs to be tossed and set back up using aseptic technique. Always err on the side of caution.

If Wet or Prolonged Exposure to Air
Wet and Exposed to Long Air

Moisture is a mode of transfer for microorganisms. Many sterile fields will get bodily fluids on them such as blood, which doesn't necessarily compromise the field. However, if a sterile field becomes wet with a contaminated liquid or has had prolonged exposure to air, it should be discarded. When adding a solution into the sterile field have the lip of the bottle 1 to 2 inches above the receiving container and slowly pour to prevent splashing.

CONSIDERATIONS
Never Leave Sterile Area
Cannot Leave the Area

Once your eyes leave the sterile field and the field comes into question, everything needs to be discarded. To prevent any issues, never leave the sterile area.

PPE Order
PPE in Order

To maintain aseptic technique, there is an order to donning personal protective equipment (PPE). The proper order of PPE according to the CDC and tested on the NCLEX® is as follows: gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield then finally gloves.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Aseptic Technique Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Registered Nurse (RN) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Registered Nurse (RN) student study app.

Picmonic for Registered Nurse (RN) covers information that is relevant to your entire Registered Nurse (RN) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer your NCLEX®-RN, Hesi, ATI, TEAS test, Kaplan exams, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Registered Nurse (RN) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.