Hygiene and aseptic work in the veterinary clinic
Prevention of infection and disease transmission
In a veterinary clinic, many animals pass by each day — some sick, some carriers of disease. Good hygiene breaks the infection routes and protects other patients, staff and yourself. It is a daily, ongoing discipline, not just something that applies in the operating theatre.
§Clean concepts: cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation
| Concept | What it means |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Removal of visible dirt and organic material |
| Disinfection | Reduction of microorganisms to a safe level |
| Sterilization | Removal/neutralization of all microorganisms including spores |
The sequence is important: you cannot disinfect or sterilize effectively if there is still visible dirt. Therefore always clean before disinfecting.
§Hand hygiene
- 01Wash hands with water and soap if visibly dirty.
- 02Use hand disinfection between patients when hands are clean and dry.
- 03Keep nails short and avoid jewelry that collects dirt.
- 04Wear gloves when in contact with body fluids — gloves do not replace hand hygiene.
§Aseptic work around surgery
Asepsis means working so microorganisms are not introduced into a sterile field. Around operations this includes among other things preparation and draping of the surgical field sterile equipment and correct clothing of the sterile staff.
- 01Keep sterile and unclean separate — never cross the line between them.
- 02What is sterile may only touch something else sterile.
- 03Keep track of what's been touched — in case of doubt it's considered unclean.
- 04Follow the clinic's procedures for sterilized instrument storage.
“Hygiene is the quiet work that prevents complications no one sees.”