Which technique should be used to prevent contamination during wound care?

• A. Clean technique
• B. Routine handling with bare hands
• C. Aseptic technique
• D. Air-drying wounds exposed to environment

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a sterile environment to prevent introducing microorganisms into a wound is essential. Aseptic technique means creating and preserving a sterile field, using sterile gloves, sterile instruments, and sterile dressings, and performing hand hygiene and proper disinfection so that the wound and supplies stay free of contamination. This approach minimizes infection risk and is the standard for wound care when the goal is to prevent contamination. Clean technique reduces contamination but does not guarantee sterility and is used for non-sterile tasks or less invasive care. Handling wounds with bare hands introduces microorganisms and increases infection risk. Air-drying wounds exposed to the environment leaves the wound vulnerable to airborne contaminants and surface microbes, again raising infection risk. Therefore, aseptic technique is the best choice for preventing contamination during wound care.