Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) is a standardized approach to aseptic practice designed to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare-associated infections. According to the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, ANTT is defined as:
“A specific and comprehensively defined type of aseptic technique with a unique theory-practice framework based on an original concept of Key-Part and Key-Site Protection; achieved by integrating Standard Precautions such as hand hygiene and personal protective equipment with appropriate aseptic field management, non-touch technique, and sterilized supplies. It is designed for all invasive clinical procedures and management of invasive medical devices. In the context of infusion therapy, this includes vascular access device (VAD) insertion and management and infusion administration. ANTT can be successfully implemented as a standalone initiative or as an integral part of a clinical care bundle.”
ANTT introduces two important concepts:
Key-Parts: These are sterile components of equipment used during aseptic procedures, such as needle hubs, syringe tips, and dressings.
Key-Sites: These are areas on the patient’s body where there is a direct route for pathogen transmission, such as insertion sites for vascular access devices.
ANTT’s adaptability enhances its effectiveness in various clinical settings. It offers two approaches:
Standard-ANTT: Used for simpler, shorter procedures (typically 20 minutes or less) involving fewer key-sites and key-parts. It employs non-touch technique and micro critical aseptic fields within a general aseptic field.
Surgical-ANTT: Used for complex, lengthy procedures involving large open key-sites or numerous key-parts. It requires sterile drapes and barrier precautions.
The ANTT framework also includes tools for assessing clinician competency, particularly when advanced technologies like ultrasound for vascular access are used, ensuring proper technique is maintained. Additionally, by providing a common language and practice framework, ANTT improves education and training, making it easier to teach and reinforce proper aseptic technique across healthcare organizations. Overall, ANTT provides a clear, evidence-based approach that helps healthcare professionals maintain asepsis during infusion therapy procedures, thereby contributing to better patient safety and a reduced risk of healthcare-associated infections.
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References
Nickel, B. et al., (2024, January/ February) Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 9th edition. Journal of Infusion Nursing. https://www.ins1.org/publications/infusion-therapy-standards-of-practice/