Aseptic Non-Touch Technique Policy

Introduction

Aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) has been adopted by NHS organisations to help with the reduction of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI’s) (Rowley and Clare 2011). This standardised approach developed in University College Hospital, London, has been shown to significantly improve the aseptic technique of healthcare workers, by providing a framework to both ‘standardise and raise clinical standards utilising a consistent and reliable approach to best practice whilst undertaking aseptic clinical procedures’ (Rowley 2001) ANTT is the method used to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in a vulnerable body site. It aims to prevent the contamination of wounds and other susceptible sites, by ensuring that only uncontaminated equipment, referred to as ‘key parts’ or sterile fluids come into contact with susceptible or sterile body sites during clinical procedures. .For this reason it should be used during any invasive procedure that bypasses the body’s natural defences, eg the skin or mucous membranes. For example:

• Cannulation
• Venepuncture
• administration of intravenous (IV) medication
• wound care
• urinary manipulation
• central and peripheral line management

The step by step clinical guidelines are designed to allow the practitioner to: identify and protect the key parts during a procedure, institute a non-touch technique, ensure effective hand decontamination is undertaken and personal protective equipment is used at the appropriate time. The Health and Social Care Act (DoH 2010) stipulates that:

• ANTT should be carried out in a manner that maintains and promotes the principles of asepsis
• The technique should be standardised across the organisation
• All clinical staff undertaking procedures involving asepsis should be provided with education, training and assessment

Policy Details

See also:

• Standard infection prevention and control precautions policy