Chapter 5: Control of Microbial Growth - Terminology Flashcards
1
Q
Define Sterilization
A
absolute removal or destruction of ALL microorganisms and viruses
2
Q
Define Disinfection.
A
- destruction of most microbes including, pathogens
- ex. chemical disinfectants
3
Q
Does disinfection kill all microbes?
A
no
4
Q
What is antisepsis?
A
- disinfection of skin or living tissue
5
Q
What type of treatment is used in antisepsis?
A
- normally uses less harsh treatments (chemicals)
ex. iodine
6
Q
What is degerming?
A
- removal of MOST microbes from a limited area
ex. washing hands with soap and water
7
Q
What is sanitation?
A
- lowering microbial counts to a safe level to meet public health standards
ex. pasteurization
8
Q
What does it mean for an agent to end in -cide?
A
- the agent kills microbes
ex. a bacteriocidal agent kills bacteria
9
Q
What does it mean for an agent to end in -static or -stasis?
A
- the agent stops the growth of microbes
ex. a bacteriostatic agent stops bacteria from reproducing
10
Q
Define asepsis/aseptic.
A
- an area free of significant contamination
11
Q
Where can we find an aseptic environment?
A
- modern surgical techniques are aseptic to minimize infection
ex. surgery room
ex. if someone dies of sepsis, they died of infection
12
Q
What are the different techniques of controlling microbial growth?
A
- heat (boiling, pasteurization, dry)
- filtration (normal + air)
- low temperatures
- high pressure
- desiccation
- osmotic pressure
- radiation
- microwaves
chemicals
