Aseptic Technique & Wound Dressing

Cleaning and dressing a serious wound properly prevents excessive blood loss and lowers the risk of infection. When caring for a wound in an aseptic environment, such as a hospital, avoiding secondary infection takes highest priority. Secondary infection occurs often because of improperly cleaned instruments used to treat a wound. You must thoroughly sterilize all tools used, as well as the wound dressing.

Aseptic Cleaning

• According to Environmental Media Services, aseptic care of a wound requires removal of any dressing previously placed on the wound because bacteria can breed and cause further infection. Loosen the old dressing, but don't remove it completely. Wash your hands to the elbow in warm water and soap for 10 seconds, put on protective gloves and remove the dressing. Use a sterile cotton swab and forceps to clean the wound and remove any foreign particles. Never use your hands to remove any object.

Wound Dressing

• CETL recommends examining the old dressing before discarding it to determine the state of the wound. For example, examining for pus or unusual bleeding. If the blood has a bright red color, it indicates damage to an artery. Pus indicates infection or mortification of the wound. Clean any excess fluid from the wound and dry it. After the wound has been dried, apply the dressing and make the patient comfortable. Inspect it periodically, and replace it when it becomes visibly soiled.

Determining and Treating Infection

• If the area surrounding the wound appears red or swollen, or if it drains pus, infection has already set in. Take a culture of the fluid and send it for diagnosis. Don't use ethyl alcohol or other antiseptic agents before obtaining a sample, as they will kill the bacteria. You need to know what type of infection has occurred to treat it.