Is port accessing a sterile procedure?

There is considerable controversy about whether an aseptic/clean or sterile technique, including wearing a mask, should be used when accessing implanted ports. The current ONS Access Device Guidelines: Recommendations for Nursing Practice and Education recommends adhering to aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) (page 59). Below the differences between standard ANTT and surgical ANTT are detailed. 

Standard ANTT

• A combination of standard precautions and an approach of protecting key part and key site, using non-touch technique within a general aseptic field

• Used for short-duration procedures in which achieving asepsis and protecting key parts and key sites is straightforward

• Sterile gloves required for direct touch to key parts or key sites

Surgical ANTT

• A combination of standard precautions and an approach to protecting key parts and key sites using sterile drapes and supplies and barrier precautions

• Used for clinically invasive and longer-duration procedures, such as surgery and central venous access device (CVAD) insertion

References:

Wagernowski, M. (2023). Implanted venous ports. In C. Backler and J. Kirmse (Eds)., Access device guidelines: Recommendations for nursing practice and education (4th ed., pp. 55-63). Oncology Nursing Society.

Terminology. (2023). In C. Backler, & J. Kirmse (Eds.), Access device guidelines: Recommendations for nursing practice and education (4th ed., pp. 182-183). Oncology Nursing Society.