Control of Microbial Growth Deck (Exam 1) Flashcards
The destruction or removal of all forms of microbial life, including endospores but with the possible exception of prions.
What is sterilization?
The destruction of vegetative pathogens.
What is disinfection?
The destruction of vegetative pathogens on living tissue.
What is antisepsis?
What is the key difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?
An antiseptic is mild enough to be used on skin, while a disinfectant should only be used on inanimate objects
List the 3 actions of microbial control agents.
1) Alter membrane permeability
2) Damage proteins
3) Damage nucleic acids
List the 5 factors that influence the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
1) Microbial characteristics
2) Number of microbes
3) Environmental conditions
4) Time of exposure
5) Concentration/intensity of treatment
Autoclaves use the perfect combination of { } and { }.
1) Heat
2) Pressure
What is the difference between biostatic and biocidal?
Biostatic - inhibits microbial multiplication
Biocidal - destroys microbes
Ionizing radiation { } DNA, while nonionizing radiation merely { } it.
1) Destroys
2) Damages
Name the 3 tests that evaluate anti-microbial chemicals.
1) Phenol coefficient
2) Disk diffusion
3) In-use dilution
Clear area where chemical has inhibited microbial growth (HINT: disk diffusion test).
What is the zone of inhibition?
Chemical agent type:
Phenol/phenolics/bisphenols
Chemical agent type:
Biguanides
Chemical agent type:
Halogen
Chemical agent type:
Alcohol
Chemical agent type:
Heavy metal
Chemical agent type:
Surfactant
Chemical agent type:
Aldehyde
Chemical agent type:
Peroxygens
