Glossary of Useful Wound Care Terms

Aseptic Technique Terminology:

Aseptic technique is a clinical and theoretical framework used by healthcare professionals to minimise the risk of harmful microorganisms during medical procedures and reduce the number of HCAIs.

This glossary of the most important aseptic technique terminology will breakdown key terms to help you become more wound aware.

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Asepsis

Asepsis denotes the absence of pathogenic microorganisms. It is an umbrella term used to describe all the protocols involved in invasive procedures to reduce the risk of contamination by harmful microorganisms.

Aseptic

Free from pathogenic organisms. In other words, free from microorganisms that can cause infection.

Aseptic Non-Touch Technique

Aseptic non-touch technique, often referred to as ANTT, is a specific type of aseptic technique. ANTT prioritises key part and key site protection during invasive medical procedures.

Aseptic Field

An aseptic field is a designated sterile workspace. It shields the invasive procedure equipment, otherwise known as key parts, from environmental contamination by harmful microorganisms.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms. They are independent and free-living organisms that can reproduce independently. Bacteria can be found everywhere. Not all bacteria are harmful.

Clean

Free from visible dirt, marks and stains.

Clean Technique

Clean technique describes some of the strategies put in place by clinicians to reduce the transmission of harmful microorganisms from one person to another during an invasive medical procedure. Clean technique involves wearing gloves, washing hands thoroughly and ensuring a clean workspace.

The term clean technique should not be used interchangeably with ANTT.

Colonisation

The presence of microorganisms in or around a host without showing any visible symptoms or signs of infection.

Contamination

The introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into a sterile or uninfected surface, key part or person.

Critical Aseptic Field

A critical aseptic field is the main aseptic field that provides immediate protection to the invasive procedure equipment (i.e., a sterilised drape).

Cross-Infection

Cross-infection is the transfer of microorganisms from one person to another. Cross-infection can occur after direct contact between an infected person and an uninfected person. It can also occur indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, air and water.

Cross-infection is also known as cross-contamination.

Decontamination

Decontamination is the process by which microorganisms are neutralised or removed from a person, object or surface. This can be done using chemical and thermal means.

General Aseptic Field

A general aseptic field is a workspace that promotes asepsis. The general aseptic field protects the equipment, or ‘key parts,’ during an invasive medical procedure. Examples of general aseptic fields include a disinfected plastic tray.

Hand Hygiene

Maintaining good hand hygiene is one of the core tenets of ANTT. Many healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) spread through direct contact, particularly because of contaminated hands during an invasive procedure.

Meticulous hand washing must be carried out before and after all invasive medical procedures.

Healthcare Associated Infections

Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are infections acquired either when a patient undergoes a clinical intervention (i.e., catheterisation) or from contact with a healthcare setting (i.e., hospitals).

Infection

A reaction to bacteria and viruses invading the body.

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Infectious

A harmful microorganism that is likely to be transmitted between people. This can happen either through direct contact or indirect contamination.

Invasive Devices

An invasive device is any device that is introduced to the body during a medical procedure. Invasive devices can enter the body by deliberately puncturing the skin or through an existing opening in the body.

Invasive devices include IV cannulas, urinary catheters and endotracheal devices.

Invasive Procedure

A medical procedure that involves a ‘key part’ entering the body. This procedure is carried out by puncturing the skin or entering via an existing opening in the body.

Key Parts

The term ‘key parts’ denotes the most critical components of any procedural equipment or kit. Key parts are the tools that come into contact with key sites. They can pose a significant infection risk if they become contaminated during an invasive medical procedure.

Key Sites

Key sites are wounds and puncture sites that operate as a direct port of entry for pathogenic microorganisms.

Micro Critical Aseptic Field

A micro critical aseptic field is a small aseptic field that is designed to protect a key part from contamination. Micro critical aseptic fields include sterilised syringe caps.

Microorganisms

Organisms that can only be seen through a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Pathogenic

An organism that can cause disease.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is a term used to describe the clothing worn by clinicians to act as a barrier between.

Standard ANTT

Standard ANTT is a type of practice that prioritises ‘key part’ protection during invasive procedures. Invasive medical procedures that commonly use Standard ANTT principles include IV cannulation and wound care. Procedures that employ Standard ANTT are usually short in duration.

Sterile

Free from all microorganisms.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is the process by which all viable microorganisms are destroyed.

Sterile Field

Another term for aseptic field.

Sterile Technique

Sterile technique is the historic term for aseptic technique. Although the term is used interchangeably with aseptic technique and ANTT, this is discouraged as complete sterility during a medical procedure is impossible. This is due to the presence of microorganisms in the surrounding environment, particularly in the air.

Surgical ANTT

The term Surgical ANTT is used to describe a type of aseptic technique used in more complex medical procedures.

Surgical Gloves

Personal protective equipment is worn on the hands to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from the transmission of harmful microorganisms. They are worn during invasive clinical procedures and are a key component of ANTT.

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