Table 3.

Recommended aseptic technique for neuraxial analgesia^*

Removal of jewelry from hands

Hand washing

Wearing of caps and sterile gloves

Wearing masks that cover both mouth and nose; masks should be changed between cases

Individually packaged skin preparation

Chlorhexidine with alcohol for skin preparation; this must be allowed to dry before needle insertion; povidone-iodine with alcohol is also acceptable

Sterile draping

Sterile occlusive dressing

Note:

^*American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on infectious complications associated with neuraxial techniques.⁴⁷