Aseptic technique Flashcards
Asepsis (definition)
absence of microbes
Sterile (definition)
absence of living microorganisms (inanimate objects)
Surgically clean (definition)
destruction of all accessible microorganisms on the surface (living organisms=our patients)
contaminated (definition)
a surface or structure where microorganisms are present
What is considered a surgical site infection? (SSI)
infection from a surgical incision within 30 days of surgery
What is considered a surgical site infection if an implant was used?
1 year
What is the most common hospital acquired infection?
surgical infections
What are the possible consequences of surgical infections?
- cost
- morbidity
- mortality–euthaniasia from cost
What can be sources of microbes for surgical site infection?
- environment
- patient
- surgeon
- surgical site–traumatic wound
What can be sources of microbes for surgical site infection?
- environment
- patient
- surgeon
- surgical site–traumatic wound
What are three ways to design the operating room to reduce infection risk?
- clean, mixed and contaminated areas
- designed OR for contaminated vs clean procedures
- positive airflow–air flows from OR to corridors
What is the operating room cleaning protocol?
- clean after each procedure and at start and end of the day
- walls and tables easy to clean
Why should you limit traffic and personnel in the OR?
because +1 person =30% more infections
What are 5 methods of sterilization?
- steam sterilization
- gas (ethylene oxide)
- plasma (H2O2) sterilization
4.
What are 5 methods of sterilization?
- steam sterilization
- gas (ethylene oxide)
- plasma (H2O2) sterilization
- ionizing radiation
- cold chemical
How does steam sterilization work?
- autoclave
- steam under pressure 121 degrees for 15-30 minutes
- coagulates proteins
What does steam sterilization (autoclave)
- cleans instruments
- correct packing, wrapping
- proper positioning in unit
How does gas (ethylene oxide) sterilization work?
- kills microbes by alkylation
How does gas (ethylene oxide) sterilization work?
- kills microbes by alkylation of proteins
What is gas sterilization used for?
heat and moisture sensitive equipment
What are disadvantages of gas sterilization?
- flammable, explosive gas
- very toxic to personnel if exposed
- long sterilization cycle
- needs aeration before use
How does cold sterilization work?
- glutaraldehyde used
2. submerge for 10-12 hours
What is cold chemical sterilization used for?
equipment sensitive to heat that can be submerged
Why must equipment that is cold sterilized be rinsed well?
it is irritating
What are disadvantages of cold chemical sterilization?
- takes a long time
- adverse health effects (resp, dermal)
- do NOT use for any major procedure. will get infection. avoid if can
How do we know sterilization worked?
- CLEAN instruments
- chemical indicators BOT autoclave tape AND indicator strips
- biological indicators: nonpathogenic spores (bacillus)–no growth