Explain Asepsis, Antisepsis And Cross Infection.

1 Define and explain asepsis, antisepsis and cross infection

Asepsis- An environment that is free of harmful microorganisms. An aseptic technique ensures that only uncontaminated equipment and fluids come into contact with susceptible body sites. It should be used during any clinical procedure that bypasses the body's natural defences. Using the principles of asepsis minimises the spread of organisms from one person to another. Aseptic techniques are used to reduce contamination from microorganisms. It involves strict guidelines that help to prevent infection and minimize the risk of catching one. If an infection is caught and is left without treatment, it can spread throughout the body making an individual very poorly with the risk of sepsis.
Aseptic is a method used to prevent contamination of wounds and other susceptible sites by organisms that could cause infection.

Antisepsis- Process of preventing the growth of infectious germs I.e. Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi (microorganisms) Prevention of infection by inhibiting or arresting the growth and multiplication of germs (infectious agents). Antisepsis implies scrupulously clean and free of all living microorganisms
Antisepsis is the process of preventing the growth of infectious germs, like bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The Greek root word, 'anti', means against, while 'sepsis' means putrefaction or decay, so antisepsis means against decay or infection, a critical part of any recovery process. These tiny infectious germs are called microorganisms, and they try to get into the body through cuts or wounds whenever the body's defense mechanisms are breached or compromised. The substance used in antisepsis is called an antiseptic, which is used to kill a broad range of infections. An antiseptic is different from an antibiotic, which is used to target a certain type of bacteria. Once scientists and surgeons learned more about bacteria and the connection between bacteria and infection, they developed ways to prevent the latter. Antiseptics are applied to the skin to reduce the possibility of infection. Common antiseptics include rubbing alcohol, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide and
iodine.
Cross infection- The transfer of harmful microorganisms/bacteria/viruses.
The spread of infection can occur between people, pieces of equipment, or within the body. These infections can cause many complications. So, medical professionals work hard to ensure equipment safety and a clean environment. Harmful Microorganisms included bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Washing your hands frequently and practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent getting an infection.
Examples of how microorganisms can be transmitted include; Unsterilized medical equipment, coughing and sneezing, human contact, touching contaminated objects, dirty bedding.
The risk for infection is greater when undergoing a medical procedure. But cross infection can happen within the body. An infection in one part of the body can spread to another, like a respiratory infection spreading to the ears or eyes.
Aseptic technique is a common process used to sterilize equipment so harmful microorganisms can’t spread from patient to patient. Hospital and healthcare settings all have procedures to prevent infection.

2 Explain the process of wound healing and identify factors which promote and delay the
process wound healing occurs in three overlapping stages: the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the remodeling phase.
The inflammatory phase begins at the onset of the injury and lasts up to six days.4 During this phase, blood vessels constrict and coagulation factors are activated, preventing additional blood loss. The coagulation cascade causes the release of leukocytes, which attack the bacteria in the wound, and monocytes, which remove dead tissue, blood clots, and bacteria from the site. Protein and clotting factors also permeate the wound.
The proliferative phase begins within seven days of the injury and lasts for two to three weeks.4 During this phase, new blood vessels develop, which promote the growth of granulation tissue. New tissue forms a protective covering over the wound. Collagen, which is responsible for tissue repair, is produced by fibroblasts during the proliferative phase. The collagen and the granulation tissue grow and cross-link to form a scar.
The remodeling phase begins three weeks after the injury and is characterized by the buildup and breakdown of collagen.4 The wound edges are pulled inward by myofibroblasts, and scar tissue becomes softer and flattens out. Scar tissue continues to strengthen throughout this phase, which can last for up to two years.4 Over time, the scar will change from red to white and reach its full tensile strength of 60% – 70% of the original tissue.
Essential to all phases of wound healing are adequate blood flow, tissue perfusion, and oxygenation.5 Adequate blood flow and tissue perfusion help ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the wound. The production of collagen, for example, depends upon the availability of oxygen and protein at the wound site.5 As collagen develops, other components of the healing process—including white blood cell mobility, granulation tissue formation, and blood vessel development—improve as well.

Factors that promote wound healing include; Age, nutrition, healthy bmi,
Many factors have been recognised that reduce or delay healing, the following are identified as some of the main causes for delay in wound healing; Poor circulation, poor nutrition/malnutrition, age, obesity, infection, moisture, smokers, medication.

3 Describe potential sources of wound contamination and the required measures to avoid and deal with them

Potential sources of contamination, unwashed hands, non use of asepsis technique, an unclean environment, No PPE.
A wound dressing change at the bedside will involve thorough handwashing, use of gloves and other PPE, creation of a sterile field, opening and introducing packages and fluids in such a way as to avoid contamination, and constant avoidance of contact with nonsterile items, the Asepsis technique.
General habits that help to preserve a clean environment include:
• safe removal of hazardous waste, i.e., prompt disposal of contaminated needles or blood-soaked bandages to containers reserved for such purposes
• prompt removal of wet or soiled dressings
• immediate clean-up of soiled or moist areas
• labeling of all fluid containers with date, time, and timely disposal per institutional policy
• maintaining seals on all fluids when not in use

4 Describe the consequences of wound contamination

Infected wounds are wounds in which bacteria or other microorganisms have colonized, causing either a delay in wound healing or deterioration of the wound. Most wounds are typically contaminated by bacteria. However, infected wounds result when the body's immune defenses are overwhelmed or cannot cope with normal bacterial growth.
Most cases of infected wounds are caused by bacteria, originating either from the skin, other parts of the body or the outside environment. The skin contains bacteria (normal flora) which are normally harmless if the skin is intact. However, the protective barrier formed by the skin is disrupted when there is a wound, and these normal flora are able to colonize the injured area. This results in further tissue damage and may prolong wound healing by promoting more inflammation, which prolongs the process of wound healing.
The most common bacteria causing wound infection is Staphylococcus aureus and other groups of staphylococci. Contamination from other parts of the body may also cause wound infection. Poor wound dressing techniques and unhygienic conditions may increase the risk for wound infection.
An infected wound may be characterized by increased or sustained pain, redness or swelling, pus discharge, unpleasant odor or non-healing of the wound.
Persons with decreased immune functions, such as diabetics or the elderly, are at risk for wound infections, since they cannot fight off infections easily.
Infected wounds can have serious local and systemic complications. The most serious local complication of infected wounds is a non-healing wound, which results in significant pain and discomfort for the patient. The infection can also affect the surrounding tissues and may cause a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis) or an acute or chronic bacterial bone infection (osteomyelitis). If the infection spreads to the blood vessels, the bacteria may spread and cause infection in other areas of the body.