Aseptic technique is the practice of carrying out a procedure in such a way as to minimize the risk of introducing contamination into a vulnerable area or an invasive device. The area or device will not necessarily be sterile – wounds, for example, will be colonized with micro‐organisms – but the aim is to avoid introducing additional contamination.

Aseptic non‐touch technique (ANTT) is the practice of avoiding contamination by not touching key elements, such as the tip of a needle, the seal of an intravenous connector after it has been decontaminated (Figure 4.51), or the inside surface of a sterile dressing where it will be in contact with the wound (Rowley and Clare [107]).

As with other infection prevention and control measures, the actions taken to reduce the risk of contamination will depend on the procedure being undertaken and the potential consequences of contamination (Rowley and Clare [107]). Examples of different levels of aseptic technique are given in Table 4.7. It would be difficult to provide a procedure guideline that would apply to the whole range of aseptic procedures; however, the topic is covered in other relevant procedures within this manual, such as those for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter (see Chapter c06: Elimination). To provide a context, Procedure guideline 4.11 contains steps for changing a wound dressing but is presented as a guide to aseptic technique in general. Local guidance and training should be sought before carrying out specific procedures.