what is asepsis

Asepsis is the state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms. It is a set of practices that healthcare professionals use to protect patients and themselves from infection. There are two basic types of asepsis: medical asepsis and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes sanitization, antisepsis, and disinfection. The goal of asepsis is to eliminate infection, not to achieve sterility. Ideally, a surgical field is sterile, meaning it is free of all biological contaminants, not just those that can cause disease, putrefaction, or fermentation. Even in an aseptic state, a condition of sterile inflammation may develop. The term often refers to those practices used to promote or induce asepsis in an operative field of surgery or medicine to prevent infection. Aseptic technique plays a critical role in ensuring a clean and sterile environment during medical procedures. It includes the use of sterile gloves and gowns during surgery. By adhering to strict aseptic techniques, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of disease and ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.