Chapter 7 Key Terms Flashcards
autoclave
Device to accomplish steam or gas sterilization
asepsis
Absence of microorganisms
bioburden
Amount of gross organic debris or the number of microorganisms on an object at any given time
biological indicator
A method for testing the sterilization capability of a sterilizer; contains microorganisms that are killed when exposed to a sterilization process; only method of guaranteeing the sterility of an item (s).
Bowie-Dick test
Specifically designed for use with a precacuum steam sterilizer to test for air entrapment.
cavitation
Mechanical process used by ultrasonic cleaners during which air pockets implode to dislodge debris and soil from the crevices and serrations of surgical instruments and equipment.
chelation
A method of cleaning instruments in which the chosen cleaning solution uses the process of binding ions, such as iron and magnesium, in the solution to prevent their deposit on the surface of surgical instruments.
chemical indicator
Internal or external monitor that changes color when exposed to the sterilization process, only indicates that the sterilization process has occurred it does not
colonization
The growth and collection of microbes into a group that lives in a particular area, such as the colonization of S. aureus in the nares of humans.
contaminated
Soiled w/ gross debris or by the presence of microbes.
endoscopes
A general term used to describe the various types of flexible or rigid scopes used to view the internal structures of the body.
event-related sterility
Sterility determined by how a sterile package is handled rather than time elapsed; the package is considered Sterile until opened, or until the integrity of the packaging material is compromised.
flash sterilization
A process of quickly sterilizing unwrapped items (such as a surgical instrument that has dropped on the floor on the floor and is needed right away) using a prevacuum or gravity steam sterilizers.
immersion
Placing an item in a container so it is completely covered by a liquid, such as immersing a surgical instrument in glutaraldehyde.
integrity
Complete with no breaks or tears.
intermediate-level disinfection
Level of disinfection in which mast microorganisms are killed except spores.
Julian date
Calendar days that are sequentially numbered through the year; often used when maintaining sterilization records. Ex. February 1 would be the 32nd day of the Julian calendar.
Lister
Joseph Lister; an English surgeon in the 19th century and the “father of antiseptic surgery”; applied Pasteur’s principles to the surgical practice. His contributions led to the establishment of the principles of asepsis in the operating room.
Lumen
The opening in a tube or vessel.
pathogens
Microorganism that is capable of causing disease.
permeability
The condition of being permeable; capable of allowing the passage of fluids or substances.
sterile field
Area of sterility maintained by the surgical team during procedure
sterile technique
Methods used to prevent contamination of the sterile field and prevent the patient from acquiring a postoperative wound infection.
sterilization
(1) procedure to render an individual incapable of reproduction; (2) process by which all microorganisms; including spores are destroyed.
surgical conscience
The basis for the practice of strict adherence to sterile technique by all surgical team members; involved of level of honesty and moral integrity that must be upheld.
ultrasonic cleaner
Removed small organic particles and soil from areas of instrumentation that manual or mechanical cleaning cannot reach.
Surgical Site Infection
SSI- an infection of the surgical wound that was acquired during the course of the surgical procedure.
