What is commonly considered to be part of medical asepsis?

Handwashing before and after patient contact is a key component of medical asepsis, which refers to practices aimed at reducing the number and spread of pathogens. This practice is crucial in maintaining a clean environment and preventing the transmission of infectious agents between healthcare workers and patients. By thoroughly washing hands, healthcare providers can effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses that may be present on their skin, thus minimizing the risk of infections.

In contrast, using sterile equipment for all procedures is more aligned with surgical asepsis, which involves completely eliminating all microorganisms from an area or surface. Similarly, wearing gowns during all patient interactions is not a requirement for medical asepsis; gowns are typically used in specific situations to prevent contamination, such as in isolation precautions or during procedures with a high risk of infection. Lastly, using antibiotics without prescriptions contradicts safety protocols and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it not relevant to the principles of medical asepsis.