For which procedure is sterile technique required?

Inserting a straight catheter requires sterile technique because it involves introducing a medical device directly into the urinary tract. This procedure carries a significant risk of introducing bacteria into a normally sterile area of the body, which can lead to infections such as urinary tract infections or sepsis. To minimize this risk, healthcare professionals must follow strict sterile techniques, including the use of sterile gloves, instruments, and maintaining a sterile field throughout the procedure.

It’s essential to understand that while other procedures, such as venipuncture and wound dressing changes, involve the potential for infection and may use clean technique, they do not require the same level of sterility as inserting a catheter. Blood glucose monitoring is typically a non-invasive process that does not require sterile technique, as it involves only skin puncture and does not compromise a sterile environment.