What is surgical asepsis (sterile technique)?

• A. Procedures used to reduce and prevent spread of microorganisms.
• B. Procedures used to eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogens and spores, from an object.
• C. Procedures used to remove foreign bodies from wounds.
• D. Procedures used to protect the patient from infection by maintaining a clean environment.

Answer: (B)

Sterile technique means making and keeping objects completely free of all microorganisms, including hardy spores, so they can touch sterile areas of the body or be introduced into the body without carrying infection. This is achieved by sterilizing instruments, using sterile supplies, and rigorously maintaining a sterile field; any breach contaminates the area and requires re-sterilization or discarding items. This level of cleanliness is essential during surgery, when placing invasive devices, and in other procedures where entering sterile body sites is needed.

Medical asepsis, by contrast, focuses on reducing the number of microorganisms and preventing their spread through practices like hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces; it does not guarantee complete elimination of all microbes. Descriptions that emphasize reducing contamination or keeping the environment clean align with medical asepsis rather than sterile technique.