title: Clean technique or sterile technique? Let's take a moment to think.
abstract: Whether to use clean or sterile technique in the management of acute and chronic wounds is a question that researchers and clinicians have been asking and attempting to answer with certainty since the 1800s. Because patient situations are unique, particularly in the home, the structured guidelines one finds for wound cleansing and dressing are not universally applicable. The key to current WOCN practice is to critically examine wound care regimens, remain current in wound care strategies, and base practice on best current evidence along with government policies.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Barber
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*