What does antiseptic technique refer to?

Antiseptic technique refers to using methods to prevent infection during surgeries, making it crucial for maintaining patient safety and improving surgical outcomes. This approach, which became more widespread in the late 19th century, involves practices such as sterilizing surgical instruments, using antiseptic solutions on the skin, and creating a clean environment to reduce the risk of pathogens entering the body during procedures.

This practice significantly contributed to reducing post-operative infections, which were common before its implementation. The advances in understanding germ theory by pioneers like Joseph Lister played a vital role in promoting antiseptic techniques. This focus on infection control marked a major shift in surgical practices and helped revolutionize medical procedures during that era.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of antiseptic techniques; avoiding all surgical procedures would negate the intent of surgery, eliminating all surgical instruments would undermine the ability to perform surgical interventions, and only washing hands before surgery excludes many other critical steps that are essential in preventing infections during surgical procedures.