Final answer:
The main difference between medical and surgical asepsis is that medical asepsis aims to reduce the number of pathogens, whereas surgical asepsis aims to eliminate all pathogens, creating a sterile field for procedures that carry a high risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between medical and surgical asepsis is that medical asepsis, also known as clean technique, involves procedures to decrease the number of pathogens, while sterile asepsis, or surgical asepsis, includes protocols to eliminate pathogens. Medical asepsis includes practices such as handwashing and the use of gloves and is generally used in environments like physicians' offices where the risk of infection is less severe. In contrast, surgical asepsis requires creating a sterile field, which is essential for invasive procedures like surgery to prevent introducing infections to the patient.
In the context of preventing sepsis and postsurgical infections, aseptic technique is crucial. In the 1860s, Joseph Lister's adoption of handwashing and the use of carbolic acid spray during surgery significantly decreased the incidence of infections, setting the foundation for modern aseptic practices in the medical field. Aseptic techniques not only prevent iatrogenic and nosocomial diseases but also are aimed at maintaining sterility to protect the patient and healthcare workers from infectious agents.
Surgical scrubs and the creation of sterile fields are parts of these aseptic techniques that provide barriers against contamination