What should be the focus of practices related to surgical asepsis?

The focus of practices related to surgical asepsis is to keep objects and areas free from all micro-organisms. This is crucial in surgical settings where any contamination can lead to infections, complications, or even serious illness in patients. Surgical asepsis involves creating a sterile environment, which includes sterilizing instruments, using sterile barriers, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the surgical procedure.

By ensuring that everything involved in the surgery is devoid of all living micro-organisms, healthcare providers minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the sterile field, thereby safeguarding patient health. This understanding of sterile technique is foundational in surgical practice and is vital for successful surgical outcomes.

Practices that emphasize hygiene and cleanliness are important but do not suffice to achieve complete sterility. Allowing a certain degree of contamination contradicts the principles of surgical asepsis. Similarly, reducing environmental hazards is essential for overall hospital safety, but it does not specifically address the need for complete sterility in surgical procedures.