Asepsis

Definition

Asepsis is the state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms. It involves practices and procedures to prevent infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asepsis can be achieved through sterilization, disinfection, and antiseptic techniques.
2. There are two types of asepsis: medical and surgical.
3. Medical asepsis reduces the number of pathogens and is often referred to as clean technique.
4. Surgical asepsis involves procedures to eliminate all microorganisms and is known as sterile technique.
5. Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in maintaining asepsis.

Related terms

Sterilization:

A process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life.

Disinfection:

A process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores.

Antiseptic:

Substances applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.