Chapter 9 Terminology Flashcards
Disinfection
Bactericidal
Relating to the destruction of bacteria
Sterilization
The process by which all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi, are completely destroyed
Disinfection
The destruction of nearly all pathogenic microorganisms on an inanimate (non-living) surface.
Disinfectant
A chemical that kill most pathogenic organisms, but does not kill all spores.
Spaulding Classification System
A system developed by Dr. E. H. Spaulding that divides medical devices into categories based on the risk of infection involved with their use.
Sterile/Sterilization
Completely devoid of all living microorganisms.
High-level disinfection
The destruction of all vegetative microorganisms,mycobacterium, small or nonlipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores and some bacterial spores.
Low-level disinfection
The destruction of vegetative forms of bacteria, some fungi and lipid viruses (but not bacterial spores)
Intermediate-level disinfection
The destruction of viruses, mycobacteria, fungi and vegetative bacteria (but not bacterial spores)
Organic materials
Compounds containing oxygen, carbon and hydrogen; derived from living organisms. Organic matter in the form of serum, blood, pus or fecal material can interfere with the activity of disinfectants.
Alkylation
A chemical reaction hydrogen is replaced with an alkyl group. This causes the cell to be unable to normally metabolize or reproduce, or both.
Activated (activation)
Process by which a solution is combined with an activating chemical before use. Glutaraldehydes must be activated before initial use.
Minimum effective concentration (MEC)
The percentage concentration of the active ingredient in a disinfectant or chemical sterilant that is the minimum concentration at which the chemical meets all its label claims for activity against specific microorganisms.
Thermal disinfection
The use of heat to reduce the amount of microorganisms (excluding spores) on a medical device.
