What is the difference between sterile and clean technique?

What is the difference between sterile and clean technique?

• A. Sterile technique is the same as general sanitation.
• B. Sterile technique maintains absolute absence of viable microorganisms; clean technique minimizes contamination but is not sterile.
• C. Clean technique eliminates all microorganisms.
• D. Sterile technique uses gloves only.

Answer: (B)

Focus on what each approach aims to achieve with microorganisms. Sterile technique is about keeping a field completely free of viable microorganisms. It uses sterilized instruments, sterile attire, and strict aseptic practices to prevent any pathogens from entering the area. Clean technique, on the other hand, aims to minimize contamination and reduce risk, but it does not strive for a fully sterile environment; some microorganisms may still be present and are considered acceptable as long as contamination is kept under control.

That’s why the statement describing sterile technique as maintaining an absolute absence of viable microorganisms, while clean technique minimizes contamination but is not sterile, is the best fit. The other options misstate the relationships: sterile technique is more than general sanitation; clean technique does not eliminate all microorganisms; and sterile technique involves more than gloves alone.