What is Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)?
It loomed in response to inconsistent aseptic practices that bestowed to healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), then Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) was developed in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom by a nurse consultant in infection prevention with the name of Stephen Rowley.
Aseptic Non-Touch Techinique is a type of clinical practice framework which is intended for the prevention of the contamination of wounds, equipment that is sterile and any vulnerable body sites during a clinical procedure.
Chain of infection
There are six key links that are included in the chain of infection:
- Infectious Agent – this may include fungi, bacteria and viruses
- Reservoir – where the agent may live; on a human body or particular surfaces
- Portal of Exit – how the agent leaves; via a wound or secretions
- Mode of Transmission – the way in which it spread; instruments or hands
- Portal of Entry – where the agent enters; mucous membranes or broken skin
- Susceptible Host – patients with broken skin or sores and/ or a weakened immunity
By shattering any of these links, ANTT would help to prevent Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and supports high quality and safe care in all healthcare environments and settings.
How will ANTT break the Chain of infection?
Making use of ANTT will break the chain by:
- Isolating or eliminating the infectious agent by using sterile equipment
- Transmission may be prevented with non-touch technique and hand hygiene
- Entry points may be protected with aseptic procedures and sterile dressing
- Reducing reservoir exposure by decontaminating surfaces
Types of contamination
There are four types of contamination:
- Direct Contamination – this may occur when key sites or key parts are directly touched by hands or unsterile utensils.
- Indirect Contamination – may happen when sterile equipment comes into contact with non-sterile equipment or surfaces.
- Airborne Contamination – can be caused by microorganisms which are carried through air, many times via talking, sneezing or coughing.
- Cross-Contamination – this is the transfer of microorganisms between environments or patients via equipment, hands or clothing.
Standard ANTT vs Surgical ANTT
There are 2 forms of ANTT, this would be Standard ANTT and Surgical ANTT; below is a chart to understand when an ANTT is Surgical or standard:
| Aspect | Standard ANTT | Surgical ANTT |
| Used for | Low to moderate-risk procedures (e.g., wound dressing, cannulation) | High-risk or invasive procedures (e.g., central line insertion, surgery) |
| Sterile gloves | Not always required | Always required |
| Sterile field | May use a small field | Large sterile field essential |
| Touch technique | Non-touch of key parts is critical | Non-touch + full aseptic field and full barrier precautions |
| Duration | Shorter procedures | Longer, more complex procedures |
| Examples | Urinary catheterisation, IV cannulation | Surgical procedures, central venous access |
WHO – 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the “5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” which has been outlined to minimize any risk of infection transmissions:
- Before touching a patient – this is to protect the individual from harmful gems carried or transferred on the hands
- Before clean/ aseptic procedures – to prevent the initiation of germs to equipment or vulnerable key sites
- After body fluid exposure/ risk – for the protection of the healthcare environment and yourself
- After touching a patient – to have any germs obtained from the patient
- After touching patient surroundings – surfaces may be pathogens even if the patients was not directly touched
Just a note:
Doing an Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) Online Course with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD Point per course. Once you have completed the course/s, you would receive a certificate thereof.
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