Personal protective equipment in aseptic technique and universal precautions

1. Although some of the basic principles of aseptic technique are fundamentally similar, their roles in terms of protection is reversed. 2. Whereas the use of the surgical mask has often been abused, ie, being saved by hanging around the neck, there is reason to believe that masks may only be necessary in those instances where the wearer is exposed to splashes, spray, or spatter of infectious materials. 3. Materials that are liquid-resistant may possess various degrees of resistance. On the other hand, the performance of a material that is liquid-proof is absolute--it is impenetrable and can be accurately described as impervious.