Revolutionizing Infection Prevention in Healthcare with ANTT
Within the modern healthcare landscape, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) frequently pose an ongoing challenge to patient safety and overall healthcare system efficacy. Preventing such infections is critical - particularly when it comes to invasive procedures like vascular access or intravascular catheter insertions.
Amidst these challenges, Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) has emerged in recent years as a globally recognized framework for maintaining asepsis and strengthening infection prevention. Backed by leading healthcare authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), and the Association for Vascular Access (AVA), ANTT is setting a new standard for aseptic precision and infection prevention.
In this blog, we'll explore what ANTT is, why it matters, and the specific ways that these leading healthcare organizations recommend its implementation - especially in ultrasound-guided, vascular, and infusion-related procedures.
Let's dive in.
What is ANTT, and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) is a specialized framework built on the principles of aseptic technique. Aimed at safeguarding patients from infections during invasive clinical procedures, ANTT is designed to direct addresses the high variability that has historically existed in aseptic practices and, in turn, help to ensure better consistency across procedures. It does so by simplifying asepsis into two primary components: 1
Why ANTT is a Must-Have for Modern Healthcare
The statistics around HAIs are sobering. Vascular access devices, for instance, are repeatedly cited as one of the leading sources of preventable infections. According to AVA, these devices contribute significantly to infection rates, while the CDC reports nearly 99,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone from central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), with each case accounting for approximately $46,000 in increased healthcare costs. 4 5
ANTT addresses this issue by removing ambiguity and ensuring everyone—from seasoned clinicians to medical trainees—follows one universal standard of care. Whether in a first-world hospital or a resource-strained healthcare setting, the standardized guidelines and tools provided by ANTT can be universally applied, helping to enhance adherence to aseptic techniques and prevent infection complications.
The Leaders Propelling ANTT Forward
Infusion Nurses Society (INS)
The INS includes comprehensive guidelines for ANTT in its Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. It recommends ANTT for all stages of infusion therapy, including:
The INS also emphasizes the importance of regular training for clinicians in ANTT to ensure adherence and protect patient safety, with specific recommendations including:
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO's 2024 Guidelines for the Prevention of Bloodstream Infections also recognizes ANTT as a pivotal approach in preventing infections linked to intravascular catheters, especially in settings where variability in aseptic techniques has contributed to poor outcomes.
Key WHO recommendations include:
Association for Vascular Access (AVA)
AVA strongly advocates for ANTT as part of its mission to improve global vascular access standards. In particular, the organization's (guidelines) highlights ANTT’s role in:
The Game-Changing Benefits of ANTT
The adoption of ANTT doesn’t just benefit patients—it also supports healthcare workers and institutions by:
The increasing endorsement of ANTT and aseptic standards by organizations like WHO, INS, and AVA underscores their importance in modern healthcare. By adopting ANTT, healthcare providers can not only safeguard their patients but also contribute to broader systemic improvements in efficiency, cost control, and equity.
Whether you’re guiding patients as a clinician or driving policy as an administrator, integrating ANTT into daily practice is a direct line to higher-quality outcomes. With training resources, implementation toolkits, and expert backing available, it’s easier than ever to bring ANTT into your organization.
How can CIVCO help?
At CIVCO, we’ve been a leader in infection prevention for over 40 years, providing innovative solutions that support aseptic practices. Our Envision gel-free ultrasound-transducer cover and pad has been independently evaluated by the Association for Safe Aseptic Practice (ASAP) for its adherence to ANTT, offering a proven solution for safer ultrasound procedures. With FDA-approved viral barriers and dedicated product support from our global sales organization, we’re here to help you seamlessly integrate ANTT into your practice.
To learn more about how CIVCO can support your ANTT implementation, please visit our website or contact our team today.
For more information on ANTT, explore resources provided by INS, AVA, and the WHO, or contact local healthcare education providers to set up ANTT training in your organization.
References:
#1: What Is ANTT? https://www.antt.org/what-is-antt.html
#2: NHS Clinical Guideline: Aseptic Non Touch Technique Guideline https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/m/2301/sbar-aseptic-not-touch-technique-final.pdf
#3: ANTT Procedures Settings: https://www.antt.org/antt-procedures-settings.html
#4: AVA Guidance Document – Standardizing the Critical Clinical Competency of Aseptic, Sterile, and Clean Techniques with a Single International Standard: Aseptic Non Touch Technique
#5: Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430891/
#6: Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice
#7: WHO: Guidelines for the prevention of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters
COPYRIGHT © 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CIVCO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CIVCO MEDICAL SOLUTIONS. ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ALL PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE LICENSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN LAW. PRINTED IN USA. 2025M-3422 REV. 1
Amidst these challenges, Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) has emerged in recent years as a globally recognized framework for maintaining asepsis and strengthening infection prevention. Backed by leading healthcare authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), and the Association for Vascular Access (AVA), ANTT is setting a new standard for aseptic precision and infection prevention.
In this blog, we'll explore what ANTT is, why it matters, and the specific ways that these leading healthcare organizations recommend its implementation - especially in ultrasound-guided, vascular, and infusion-related procedures.
Let's dive in.
What is ANTT, and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) is a specialized framework built on the principles of aseptic technique. Aimed at safeguarding patients from infections during invasive clinical procedures, ANTT is designed to direct addresses the high variability that has historically existed in aseptic practices and, in turn, help to ensure better consistency across procedures. It does so by simplifying asepsis into two primary components: 1
- Key-Part Protection: Safeguarding critical components of medical devices (e.g., syringe tips or catheter hubs) from contamination.
- Key-Site Protection: Protecting vulnerable entry points into the patient's body (e.g., vascular access sites) to block microorganisms from entering. 2
- Standard-ANTT: Designed for straightforward, short-duration procedures where asepsis can be achieved easily (e.g., administering medication or basic wound care).
- Surgical-ANTT: Applied during more complex or lengthy procedures, such as surgeries or central line insertions, that require full sterility and advanced precautions. 2 3
Why ANTT is a Must-Have for Modern Healthcare
The statistics around HAIs are sobering. Vascular access devices, for instance, are repeatedly cited as one of the leading sources of preventable infections. According to AVA, these devices contribute significantly to infection rates, while the CDC reports nearly 99,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone from central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), with each case accounting for approximately $46,000 in increased healthcare costs. 4 5ANTT addresses this issue by removing ambiguity and ensuring everyone—from seasoned clinicians to medical trainees—follows one universal standard of care. Whether in a first-world hospital or a resource-strained healthcare setting, the standardized guidelines and tools provided by ANTT can be universally applied, helping to enhance adherence to aseptic techniques and prevent infection complications.
The Leaders Propelling ANTT Forward
Infusion Nurses Society (INS)
The INS includes comprehensive guidelines for ANTT in its Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. It recommends ANTT for all stages of infusion therapy, including:
- The insertion and management of vascular access devices (VADs).
- Administration of intravenous (IV) medications and solutions.
- Maintenance of indwelling invasive medical devices.
The INS also emphasizes the importance of regular training for clinicians in ANTT to ensure adherence and protect patient safety, with specific recommendations including:- Using Standard-ANTT for low-risk, quick procedures like flushing or locking a device.
- Applying Surgical-ANTT for more complex interventions such as central line insertions.
- Standardizing sterility tools like “aseptic fields” to match the complexity of each procedure.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO's 2024 Guidelines for the Prevention of Bloodstream Infections also recognizes ANTT as a pivotal approach in preventing infections linked to intravascular catheters, especially in settings where variability in aseptic techniques has contributed to poor outcomes.
Key WHO recommendations include:
- Using ANTT for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertions and ongoing maintenance.
- Implementing standardized kits and insertion packs to ensure the consistent availability of necessary components, which supports adherence to ANTT.
- Training healthcare workers on sterile protocols, particularly focusing on the use of "single-lumen" devices, as they pose lower infection risks compared to multi-lumen counterparts.
Association for Vascular Access (AVA)
AVA strongly advocates for ANTT as part of its mission to improve global vascular access standards. In particular, the organization's (guidelines) highlights ANTT’s role in:
- Reducing variability in aseptic practices across healthcare organizations.
- Enhancing the competency of healthcare workers through education and procedural guidelines.
- Supporting organizations in creating clinical governance structures for infection control.
The Game-Changing Benefits of ANTT
The adoption of ANTT doesn’t just benefit patients—it also supports healthcare workers and institutions by: - Improving Patient Safety: By minimizing the risk of HAIs, ANTT protects patients from preventable complications, extended hospital stays, and unnecessary treatments. 4
- Reducing Costs: HAIs contribute significantly to healthcare expenses. Preventing these infections can lead to billions of dollars in savings annually. 7
- Simplifying Processes: ANTT’s clear structure streamlines and simplifies aseptic practices, making it easier for clinicians to perform procedures consistently. 4
- Promoting Equity: By standardizing techniques and tools, ANTT ensures equitable care across different regions and healthcare settings. 7
The increasing endorsement of ANTT and aseptic standards by organizations like WHO, INS, and AVA underscores their importance in modern healthcare. By adopting ANTT, healthcare providers can not only safeguard their patients but also contribute to broader systemic improvements in efficiency, cost control, and equity.
Whether you’re guiding patients as a clinician or driving policy as an administrator, integrating ANTT into daily practice is a direct line to higher-quality outcomes. With training resources, implementation toolkits, and expert backing available, it’s easier than ever to bring ANTT into your organization.
How can CIVCO help?
At CIVCO, we’ve been a leader in infection prevention for over 40 years, providing innovative solutions that support aseptic practices. Our Envision gel-free ultrasound-transducer cover and pad has been independently evaluated by the Association for Safe Aseptic Practice (ASAP) for its adherence to ANTT, offering a proven solution for safer ultrasound procedures. With FDA-approved viral barriers and dedicated product support from our global sales organization, we’re here to help you seamlessly integrate ANTT into your practice.
To learn more about how CIVCO can support your ANTT implementation, please visit our website or contact our team today.
For more information on ANTT, explore resources provided by INS, AVA, and the WHO, or contact local healthcare education providers to set up ANTT training in your organization.
References:
#1: What Is ANTT? https://www.antt.org/what-is-antt.html
#2: NHS Clinical Guideline: Aseptic Non Touch Technique Guideline https://rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/m/2301/sbar-aseptic-not-touch-technique-final.pdf
#3: ANTT Procedures Settings: https://www.antt.org/antt-procedures-settings.html
#4: AVA Guidance Document – Standardizing the Critical Clinical Competency of Aseptic, Sterile, and Clean Techniques with a Single International Standard: Aseptic Non Touch Technique
#5: Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430891/
#6: Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice
#7: WHO: Guidelines for the prevention of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters
COPYRIGHT © 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CIVCO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CIVCO MEDICAL SOLUTIONS. ALL OTHER TRADEMARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. ALL PRODUCTS MAY NOT BE LICENSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CANADIAN LAW. PRINTED IN USA. 2025M-3422 REV. 1
