Wound Care: Clean vs Sterile Technique

[paw1974]

Could I get your feedback about whether your agency uses clean or sterile technique for routine dressing changes in the home. And your rationale for whichever way you perform the care.

We have used clean technique for years-(unless of course it is ordered sterile--or for central line dressings or foley insertion) Our policy does require sterile technique for Stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers.

We use bulk clean gauze (new package goes to each persons home)

We do use sterile cleaning solutions such as NS, we use non sterile gloves-changing between all "phases" of the dressing change.

Our infection rate is VERY low-our heal rate is very high

We do teach family members to perform wound care on days the nurses do not make a visit. The nurses make at a minimum of one visit per week to monitor the wound progress.

We want to be sure that we are able to provide the best wound care in the most cost efficient manner that we can. Your input would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

One patient has a chronic wound - clean technique. We don't even have sterile gloves for his woundcare! Woundcare MD aware, that's how he does it in his office for this patient.

[caliotter3]

The only sterile wound care I have ever done in the home was one time as a student nurse. I have been required to do very little wound care as an employed home care nurse and all of it has been clean technique.