Asepsis & Infection

Question 1

Sepsis definition

Answer 1

Presence of pathogens or their toxic products in blood or tissues

Question 2

Asepsis definition

Answer 2

Exclusion of microorganisms and spores; free from infection

Question 3

Antisepsis definition

Answer 3

Prevention of sepsis
Destruction/inhibition of microorganisms
Use of agent safe to use on living tissue

Question 4

Sterilisation definition

Answer 4

Complete eradication of all microorganism including spores

Question 5

Disinfection

Answer 5

Removal of microorganisms; not necessarily spores

Question 6

Protocols to maintain asepsis should include

Answer 6

Correct attire
Scrubbing up procedures
Patient prep
Draping technique
Sterilisation sop
Organisation of sx list
Effective cleaning sop
Correct conduct during sx

Question 7

Sources of contamination

Answer 7

Op room
Equipment
Personnel
Patient

Question 8

Factors influencing wound infection

Answer 8

Virulence of organism
Resistance of patient
Duration of sx (inf. rate 2x for every hour)
Surgical technique (tissue/vascular trauma)

Question 9

Disinfectant for terminal disinfection

Answer 9

Detergent properties

Effective against wide range of bacteria

Question 10

Infection risk reduction during sx

Answer 10

Correct personnel & patient prep
Sterile instruments & equipment
Changing contaminated instruments/equipment/clothing
Sterile fluid lovage prior to closing
Antimicrobial coated sutures (tricoslan)
Antibiotic cover

Question 11

Aseptic skin prep of patient

Answer 11

Immediately prior to sx
All hair & debris removed
Back & forth scrub (70% alc. 4% chl.)
Lint-free swabs
Wear gloves
Avoid soaking patient
2nd prep in theatre + antiseptic skin spray
(Hibitaine + alc)