Aseptic techniques in medical imaging Flashcards
What is Asepsis?
-Asepsis means free of infection.
How do you preform medical asepsis?
May be performed by disinfection.
What is disinfectant and how much microorganisms does it kill?
The destruction of pathogenic microbes, toxins, vectors and other pathogens by use of chemical agents.
-Kills 99%
What is a topically applied disinfectant is known as?
antiseptic
What are the 4 types of chemical disinfectants/antiseptics?
- Chlorine
- Iodine
- Alcohols
- Hydrogen peroxide
What type of disinfectant is bleach?
Bactericidal & Sporicidal
What type of disinfectant is iodine and what is it used in?
-Bactericidal, Fungicidal and Virucidal
-It is an antiseptic used in Betadine & Surgidine
What type of disinfectant is alcohol and where is it used?
-Bactericidal, Tuberculocidal, Fungicidal, Virucidal
-Used in Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): 70% aqueous solution (rubbing alcohol)
What percentage of hydrogen peroxide is effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses?
6%
What percentage of hydrogen peroxide is used for wound cleaning?
3%
What is Surgical Asepsis?
Complete removal of microorganisms and their spores from the surface of an object
What requires the use of surgical asepsis?
Any medical procedure that involves penetration of body tissues (an invasive procedure)
What procedures require surgical and medical asepsis?
- Major and minor surgical procedures
- Administration of parenteral medication
- Catheterization of the urinary bladder
- Dressing changes
- Venipuncture
What are the 2 steps to physical sterilization of object?
- Heat (steam under pressure)
- UV (C) Light
What is better at sterilization, moist or dry heat?
Moist
What is the device that is used to accomplish physical sterilization? What temperature/ pressure/time is effective killing accomplished?
Autoclave
Effective killing is accomplished at 250֯ F at a pressure of 15- 30 lb/inch2 for 15 minutes.
Dry heat: 320֯ F for 120 minutes.
When is UV light used for physical sterilization and how does it work?
Germicidal lamps for control of airborne contaminants
-It produces certain wavelengths that kill microbes
When would you chemically sterilize something? Give an example. What is the downside?
-When item is sensitive to heat or irradiation (electronics/plastics).
-Ethylene oxide - Gas
-Downside: Carcinogen
How does the time vary in the autoclave?
Time varies depending on whether the item is wrapped or not.
What is “Flash” sterilization in an autoclave?
It is fast and involves an unwrapped item.
What things should you check on sterile pack/tray
- Expiry date
- Integrity of autoclave tape: Steam indicating ink
- Punctures
- Wetness
How do you introduce solutions to the sterile field?
Cleanse the lip of the container by pouring or squirting a small amount into a waste container or sink
Pour into sterile container from same side of lip.
How do you move items within the sterile field?
Sterile forceps are used to manipulate items within sterile field.
What 5 things must the radiographer do before entering the surgical suite?
- Don scrubs (and lead shielding, if required)
- Cover hair with a cap
- Cover shoes
- Place a mask over mouth and nose
- Remove jewelry
What is the purpose of the surgical scrub?
To remove and reduce concentration of micro-organisms
What is the sterile scrub and what are the 2 methods?
-The sterile scrub consists of scrubbing with an antimicrobial agent
2 types:
1. Numbered strokes
2. Timed method
How far are surgical gowns considered to be sterile?
from the shoulder to the waist (or level of the sterile field), and from the cuff to 2 inches above the elbow.
Which hand should be gloved first?
The dominant hand
What are the steps for the skin prep?
- Explain procedure to the patient.
- May need to shave the area first.
- Make sure there are no allergies to the antiseptic solution used.
- Dry site
- Rub with the swab for 15 seconds then flip to rub for another 15 seconds the other way
- Wipe in both directions for 30 seconds (do not flip)
What is the skin prep solution made of?
-2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate
-70% Isopropyl alcohol
-Betadine/Surgidine
What should be done after a skin prep?
Placing the sterile drape on
Define the purpose of sterile drapes?
These are used to provide a barrier to infection and to create a sterile field on which to place sterile instruments
