Define medical asepsis.

Medical asepsis refers to the various practices aimed at reducing the number and spread of pathogens. This approach does not seek to eliminate all microorganisms, but rather to minimize the risk of infection by controlling the environment and employing techniques that decrease the overall microbial load. Such practices include maintaining a clean environment, using appropriate barriers like gloves and masks, and fostering proper hand hygiene.

This definition highlights the significance of controlling infectious agents in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of diseases, which is crucial for patient safety and healthcare outcomes. The focus of medical asepsis is practical and aims at lowering the likelihood of infection in a variety of settings, not just within surgical contexts. Efforts in medical asepsis encompass a wide range of measures due to the understanding that while complete sterility is ideal, it is often impractical outside specific procedures.