Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)

Abstract

Abstract During the aseptic technique simulated examination students may be asked to demonstrate a clinical skill, usually a wound dressing, using an aseptic technique. This is becoming increasingly common in all universities as it has been identified as a mandatory simulated assessment in the essential skills clusters (NMC 2007). This skill is probably one of the most complex skills assessed during simulation and it is vital that students understand the principles of aseptic non-touch technique and are able to demonstrate application of these principles throughout the examination. Revision of this key material will enable the student to understand and apply the key principles of aseptic non-touch technique throughout the examination. This is defined as an infection acquired in hospital at least 72 hours after admission to hospital caused or precipitated whilst the patient is in hospital. Health care acquired infections (HAIs) have become a serious concern over recent years, costing the NHS an estimated £1 billion a year and contributing to some 5,000 deaths a year (Aziz 2009). One factor that has been identified as impacting on the increase in HAIs is the variation of techniques used in wound care. Two of the most common HAIs of recent times are MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and C. Diff (Clostridium difficile). MRSA is a species of bacterium commonly found on the skin and/or in the noses of healthy people. Although it is usually harmless at these sites, it may occasionally get into the body (e.g. through breaks in the skin such as abrasions, cuts, wounds, surgical incisions or indwelling catheters) and cause infections. These infections may be mild (e.g. pimples or boils) or serious (e.g. infection of the bloodstream, bones or joints). C. Diff is a species of bacterium that causes diarrhoea and other intestinal disease when competing bacterium are wiped out by antibiotics. This bacterium can have major consequences for patients once contracted. However, a number of less profiled infections are contributing to the rise in HAIs e.g. urinary tract infection. Aspetic non-touch technique (ANTT) is the term given to carrying out procedures which require attention to minimizing the risk of cross contamination that could potentially lead to an infection.