Chapter 5 Flashcards
What is an autoclave and how does it disinfect?
An autoclave is a machine used to disinfect medical equipment. It uses moist heat and high pressure to kill bacteria
What is a germicide?
A germicide is something that can destroy bacteria and other microbes
Halogen
Aldehydes
Biguanides
Phenol
Oxidizing agents that react w/ proteins and other cellular components
Inactivates proteins and amino acids
Stays on the skin and mucous membranes (good antiseptic)
Denatures proteins and destroys membranes (damaging to skin)
Asepsis
the absence of bacteria and other microbes on a living person
Sterilization v Disinfection
Sterilization is the complete removal of all pathogens and microbes
Disinfection is the removal of MOST pathogens and microbes
What is pasteurization and what are some of its methods?
Pasteurization is the removal of bacteria from food. This extends the shelf life of the food and prevents or slows the growth of bacteria. This is done by boiling the food at high temps for short periods of time.
Irradiation
Uses radiation to kill bacteria. Can be harmful to the skin depending on the type used and amt of exposure.
Electromagnetic, UV, Gamma
Antibiogram
A profile of bacterial suceptabiluty
Nosocomial Infections
Infections acquired within the hospital, usually UTI or C.diff
Lyophilization
The process of freeze drying food
aqueous v tincture
Dissolved in water v Dissolved in alcohol
Decontamination v Sanitization v Preservation
Decontamination= Decreases pathogens to a safe level
Sanitization= Brings microbe level low enough to prevent the spread of disease
Preservation= slows the growth of bacteria to delay spoiling
What are some ways to control the spread of bacteria and prevent infection?
Washing hands, Disinfecting surfaces, proper hygiene and aseptic technique in the medical field
Who is responsible for implementing hygiene into the medical practice?
Lister
What is the most common method used to remove microbes from food you want to preserve?
pasteurization
boiling
what are some environmental factors that can interfare w/ a disenfectant?
Skin, Dirt, Grease, temperature, pH all affect effectiveness of disinfectant
What are two test that are used to determine if a product is properly sterilized?
Adding a reactive tape to the sterilized package before autoclaving. Will change color when sterilized correctly.
the use of B.subtilis. is used. there are two tubes and one is added to the autoclave package. both are incubated after. if there is fermentation in the tube then there is bacteria and the materials were not properly sterilized
Incineration v Moist heat
levels of germicidal potency
Sterilants= destroys all microbes
High-level disinfectants= destroys viruses and vegetative cells
intermediate level disinfectants= Destroys vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, and most fungi
low level disinfectants= destroys fungi, vegetative bacteria (not enveloped viruses or mycobacteria)
Is alcohol effective at killing the vegitative state of bacterial cells?
Yes. its the #1 serilant
How do chemical preservatives work?
