Chapter 5: Control of Microbial Growth - Chemicals (Alcohols, Metals, QUATS, etc.) Flashcards
1
Q
How does alcohol work? (2)
A
- denatures proteins and disrupts membranes
- acts quickly and evamporates
2
Q
What microbes does alcohol kill? What does it not kill? (2 and 2
A
- bacteria and fungi
- does not kill endospores and some viruses
3
Q
Where is alcohol used on? (2)
A
- surfaces in a lab
- degerm skin
4
Q
Is alcohol an adequate antiseptic? Why or Why not? (2)
A
- no
- often combined with other chemicals to increase effectiveness
- citric acid or urea, isopropyl
5
Q
What are 2 types of alcohol?
A
- ethanol - 70% most effective
- isopropanol rubbing alcohol
6
Q
Why are heavy metals used on microbes?
A
- copper, silver, zinc and mercury can inhibit microbes
7
Q
How does SILVER NITRATE (1%) affect microbes? In other words, when is it used? (1)
A
- used as eyedrops for new-born infants to protect agents gonorrheal opthalmia
8
Q
When is silver sulfadiazine used?
A
- in topical creams for burns
9
Q
Why are silver ions used in some bandages and catheters?
A
- it slows the growth of microbes
10
Q
When is copper sulfate used to control microbes?
A
- inhibits algae in reservoirs
11
Q
When is mercuric chloride used to control microbes?
A
- used in paint to control mildew
very toxic cuz it has mercury
12
Q
When is zinc chloride used to control microbes?
A
- used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes
13
Q
Are soap and detergents disinfectants or antiseptics?
A
- neither
- works to degerm skin
14
Q
Why is soap and detergent important?
A
- important in mechanical removal of microbes
15
Q
How do soaps/detergents work? (2)
A
- soap breaks up oily deposits and film (ex. on skin)
- water can then wash these deposits away, along with microbes
