Asepsis in general practice.

Abstract

Aseptic techniques in hospitals have been changing over the past few years and the influence of these changes on techniques in general practice will be considered in this article. A report on sterilizing practices in six hospitals published by the Nuffield Provincial Hospitals Trust1 indicated many deficiencies in traditional sterilizing methods. Following this and other publications, many central sterile supply departments have become established in hospitals. These departments pack and sterilize syringes, dressings, and other equipment, and distribute as required to wards and operating theatres. The main advan tages of this system are that sterilizing processes are carried out in one central department and are safer and more easily controlled ; boiling of equipment in the wards is almost or entirely eliminated and there is a saving of nurses' time. Dis posable equipment has also become more readily available and where necessary can be obtained in pre-sterilized packs from commercial sources. Although the use of disposables is some times expensive when compared with similar non-disposable equipment, costs will probably become less with increased demands. It is impossible to prove that the establishment of central sterile supply departments and the increased use of disposables has reduced hospital cross-infection, although some reports suggest that a reduction has occurred. Although wound sepsis is not a major problem in general practice, it is obviously preferable to use efficiently sterilized materials and equipment for all aseptic techniques, whether in hospital or in a patient's home. A recent report by the Queen's Institute of District Nursing2 indicates that standards of asepsis in domiciliary practice could be improved by the adoption of these new methods.