Which practice is crucial during a veterinary procedure to prevent infection?

Implementing sterile technique is crucial during a veterinary procedure to prevent infection because it involves a set of practices that maintain a sterile field by minimizing the risk of contamination. Sterile techniques include thorough handwashing, wearing sterile gowns and gloves, and using sterilized instruments and materials. By adhering to these practices, the risk of introducing pathogens into the surgical site is significantly reduced, which is essential for the safety and health of the animal undergoing the procedure.

While using general anesthesia, performing the procedure quickly, and using non-latex gloves may have their own importance, they do not directly address the control of infection. General anesthesia is primarily focused on patient comfort and immobility during the procedure rather than infection prevention. Performing the procedure quickly may not ensure that adequate care is taken to maintain sterility and may actually increase the risk if steps are rushed. Non-latex gloves can be useful for individuals with allergies, but the gloves themselves must be sterile, and the technique in which they are used is far more critical in preventing infections.