Techniques for aseptic dressing and procedures

Preparation • Introduce yourself to the patient and explain what you are doing and why. If possible, provide privacy. • Position the patient comfortably and make sure the surrounding area is clean and tidy before you start. • Check the patient’s care notes to update yourself on any changes in the patient’s condition and to make sure the dressing is due to be changed. • Wash your hands and put on an apron. • Clean the trolley using soap and water, or disinfectant, and a cloth. Start at the top of the trolley and work down to the bottom legs of the trolley using single strokes with your damp cloth. • Place the sterile dressing /procedure pack on the top of the trolley. • Open the sterile dressing pack on top of the trolley. Open the sterile field using the corners of the paper. • Open any other sterile items needed onto the sterile field without touching them.