What is the primary purpose of aseptic technique during PD connections?

• A. To speed up the procedure
• B. To prevent peritonitis and exit-site infections by minimizing contamination through hand hygiene, skin antisepsis, and sterile transfer sets.
• C. To improve patient comfort
• D. To reduce treatment cost

Answer: (B)

Aseptic technique during PD connections is about preventing infection by keeping the transfer pathway as clean as possible. The PD connection is a breach between the outside environment and the peritoneal cavity, so bacteria from the skin or surroundings can enter and cause peritonitis or an exit-site infection if contamination occurs. By performing thorough hand hygiene, cleaning the skin around the exit site with an appropriate antiseptic, and using sterile transfer sets, you minimize the chance that contaminants reach the catheter system. This direct focus on preventing contamination explains why infection prevention is the primary purpose of aseptic technique. Slower or faster procedures, patient comfort, or costs are secondary considerations and do not address the core risk of infection.