Clean Needle Technique: CNT Protocol
Antiseptic
Products designed to reduce the density of microbial life on living tissue, particularly on the skin
of the patient or practitioner
Aseptic techniques
Techniques for preventing infection during invasive procedures (surgical operations, dressing
wounds, etc)
Is acupuncture an aseptic procedure?
No, because it is not performed in a manner that preserves the sterility of of the acupuncturist's
hands, or the skin of the patient.
Is acupuncture a clean or sterile procedure?
Clean, although needles must be kept in a sterile condition for CNT.
Clean field
The area that has been prepared to contain the equipment necessary for acupuncture in such a
way as to protect the sterility of the needles.
Clean field includes
clean surface on which equipment will be placed,
patient's skin around prepared acupuncture points & anything that touches the skin
Clean technique
use of techniques that reduce risk of infection by reducing # of pathogens -->reducing the
chances for contact between the pathogens and patient & personnel
Contamination
introduction of contaminating viruses, bacteria, ect. into or onto previously clean or sterile
objects, rendering them unclean or non-sterile
Disinfectants
chemicals used in disinfection
should only be used on inanimate objects
Disinfection
Use of chemicals and procedures designed to destroy or reduce the # of pathogens on inanimate
objects
Sterilization
Use of procedures that destroy ALL microbial life, including viruses. This is a rigid,
uncompromising term.
in acupuncture sterilization is required for
ALL instruments that pierce the skin and insertion tubes
, CNT basic principle #1
Always wash hands between patients
Always wash hands before and after needling
CNT basic principle #2
Always use sterile single-use needles and other instruments (such as 7-star hammers and
lancets) that may break the skin
CNT basic principle #3
Always establish a clean field before performing acupuncture
CNT basic principle #4
Always immediately isolate used needles and other sharps
Will alcohol-based hand disinfectants be effective if practitioner's hands are
soiled?
No, will not be effective
Greatest risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission
needlestick injuries
Greatest source of risk to the practitioner and patient
contaminated needles
CDC recommends washing hands
1. When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated
2. If hands are not visibly soiled
3. Before contact with patients
4. After contact with patient's intact skin
5. After contact with fluids or patient's dressing
6. After removing gloves
7. Before and after eating
Hand Washing step #1
Gather the equipment needed to wash hands (paper towels, soap (liquid), & running water
Hand Washing step #2
Roll up long sleeves, remove watch and jewelery (wedding band ok)
Hand Washing step #3
Wet soap and hands thoroughly
Hand Washing step #4
Rub soap to make lather
Antiseptic
Products designed to reduce the density of microbial life on living tissue, particularly on the skin
of the patient or practitioner
Aseptic techniques
Techniques for preventing infection during invasive procedures (surgical operations, dressing
wounds, etc)
Is acupuncture an aseptic procedure?
No, because it is not performed in a manner that preserves the sterility of of the acupuncturist's
hands, or the skin of the patient.
Is acupuncture a clean or sterile procedure?
Clean, although needles must be kept in a sterile condition for CNT.
Clean field
The area that has been prepared to contain the equipment necessary for acupuncture in such a
way as to protect the sterility of the needles.
Clean field includes
clean surface on which equipment will be placed,
patient's skin around prepared acupuncture points & anything that touches the skin
Clean technique
use of techniques that reduce risk of infection by reducing # of pathogens -->reducing the
chances for contact between the pathogens and patient & personnel
Contamination
introduction of contaminating viruses, bacteria, ect. into or onto previously clean or sterile
objects, rendering them unclean or non-sterile
Disinfectants
chemicals used in disinfection
should only be used on inanimate objects
Disinfection
Use of chemicals and procedures designed to destroy or reduce the # of pathogens on inanimate
objects
Sterilization
Use of procedures that destroy ALL microbial life, including viruses. This is a rigid,
uncompromising term.
in acupuncture sterilization is required for
ALL instruments that pierce the skin and insertion tubes
, CNT basic principle #1
Always wash hands between patients
Always wash hands before and after needling
CNT basic principle #2
Always use sterile single-use needles and other instruments (such as 7-star hammers and
lancets) that may break the skin
CNT basic principle #3
Always establish a clean field before performing acupuncture
CNT basic principle #4
Always immediately isolate used needles and other sharps
Will alcohol-based hand disinfectants be effective if practitioner's hands are
soiled?
No, will not be effective
Greatest risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission
needlestick injuries
Greatest source of risk to the practitioner and patient
contaminated needles
CDC recommends washing hands
1. When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated
2. If hands are not visibly soiled
3. Before contact with patients
4. After contact with patient's intact skin
5. After contact with fluids or patient's dressing
6. After removing gloves
7. Before and after eating
Hand Washing step #1
Gather the equipment needed to wash hands (paper towels, soap (liquid), & running water
Hand Washing step #2
Roll up long sleeves, remove watch and jewelery (wedding band ok)
Hand Washing step #3
Wet soap and hands thoroughly
Hand Washing step #4
Rub soap to make lather
