Final answer:
Aseptic technique is essential in any medical procedure that involves risks of contamination, such as surgeries or dressing wounds. Medical assistants must maintain a sterile field to prevent infections like sepsis, using sterilized materials and strict protocols. Similar practices apply in microbiology labs for culture preparation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aseptic technique is imperative in medical procedures to prevent contamination and maintain a sterile environment. The procedure that requires a medical assistant to use aseptic technique includes any that involve creating and maintaining a sterile field; for example, when handling instruments during surgery, performing wound dressings, or any intervention where there is a risk of introducing pathogens into the body.
In clinical settings, adherence to aseptic protocol prevents the potential spread of infection and the development of sepsis. A sterile field is established by using sterilized materials, hand washing, applying sterilants, and more. This is crucial because even the smallest microbial contamination can lead to severe patient outcomes, such as increased heart and respiratory rates, shock, or possibly, death.
Furthermore, in microbiology laboratories, aseptic techniques are essential for handling and culturing bacteria to prevent environmental contaminates. Instruments like pipettes, culture tubes, and inoculating loops must be pre-sterilized. Techniques such as flaming the necks of tubes and using sterile swabs are practices to enhance asepsis.