Cleaning and Disinfection Flashcards
What is bioburden?
The measure of the total number of viable micro-organisms (total microbial count)
Describe potentially pathogenic organisms which may make up part of the bioburden
- BBV (HIV, Hep B, Hep C)
- VCJD (prions)
- Bacterial infections (MRSA)
Name 4 ways to mitigate risk
- Reduce
- Transfer
- Accept
- Avoid
Describe 3 levels of risk for the Spaulding classification
- Critical
- Semi-critical
- Non-critical
What is a critical level of risk according to Spaulding?
Entry or penetration into sterile tissue, cavity or bloodstream
What is a semi-critical level of risk according to Spaulding?
Contact with intact non-sterile mucosa or non-intact skin
What is a non-critical level of risk according to Spaulding?
Contact with intact skin
What is the processing required for a critical level of risk according to Spaulding?
Sterility required
What is the processing required for a semi-critical level of risk according to Spaulding?
Sterilisation preferred where possible but if not, high-level chemical disinfection required
What is the processing required for a non-critical level of risk according to Spaulding?
Clean as necessary with detergent and water
Name 3 examples of critical levels of risk
- Surgical instruments
- Extraction forceps
- Surgical dental burs
Name 2 examples of semi-critical levels of risk
- Dental mirror in mouth
2. Wards carver
Name 2 examples of non-critical levels of risk
- Blood pressure cuff
2. Dental chair
What is the function of high level disinfection?
Kill all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores
Name 3 liquid chemical sterilizing agents
- Aldehydes
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Peracetic acid
Describe instrument decontamination in NI
- Thermal disinfection in washer disinfector
- Involves exposing all surfaces of the load to water heated between 80 and 95 degrees C for required holding time