You searched for: “asepsis”
asepsis (s) (noun), asepses (pl)
1. A condition in which living pathogenic organisms are not present; a state of sterility: Dr. Robinson treated Kirk's wound with an antiseptic so the asepsis would exist there.
2. Free from microorganisms that produce disease, fermentation, or putrefaction: A minimal procedure to ensure one's hands are asepsis is to not only carefully wash them with soap and water, but also to use special alcoholic antiseptics.

Asepsis is a term that is used to distinguish it from "antisepsis" and it applies to the principle in surgery of not applying strong germicides like corrosive sublimate or carbolic acid to wounds.

All of the dressings, swabs, and instruments used in the surgery process are sterilized by steaming, boiling, or dry heat in order to support asepsis.

Asepsis is maintained by using thin, sterilized plastic, or rubber, gloves and gowns with disposable masks which are worn by surgeons to prevent the risk of infection from their hands and wearing apparel.

Surgery that continually utilizes asepsis has the advantage of allowing the germ-destroying activity of the body tissues and their healing powers to increase by not letting antiseptics decrease the vitality of the tissues.

—Compiled from information located in
Black's Medical Dictionary, 35th edition; Edited by C.W.H. Havard;
Barnes & Noble Books; Totowa, New Jersey; 1987; page 58.
This entry is located in the following units: a-, an- (page 17) sepsi-, sep-, septi-, septico-, septo-, -sepsis, -septic, -septicemia, -septicemic (page 1)
Word Entries containing the term: “asepsis”
complete asepsis (s) (noun), complete asepses (pl)
Procedures aimed at avoiding the contamination of previously disinfected objects, substances, and medical staff: A complete asepsis involves the sterilization of an entire operating theater, including the circulating air, the drapes, gloves, instruments, and medical equipment; and, as far as practicable, the medical personnel.
This entry is located in the following unit: sepsi-, sep-, septi-, septico-, septo-, -sepsis, -septic, -septicemia, -septicemic (page 1)