Surgical asepsis is defined as procedures that aim to do what?

• A. Procedures that reduce and prevent spread of microorganisms.
• B. Eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogens and spores, from an object.
• C. Reduce infections by handwashing only.
• D. Sterilize equipment after use.

Answer: (B)

Surgical asepsis aims to render and keep objects free from all microorganisms, including pathogens and spores, so that invasive procedures don’t introduce any microbes into sterile body areas. This level of cleanliness is achieved through sterile technique: sterile instruments and supplies, sterile gloves, sterile fields, and strict practices to prevent contamination. Handwashing and other cleanliness measures are important, but they belong to medical asepsis; surgical asepsis requires maintaining true sterility from the start and throughout the procedure, not just sterilizing after use.