Decontamination. Sterilization, and Disinfection Flashcards
An authoritative source of standards for sterilization and disinfection.
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
A process that greatly reduces the number of microorganisms on skin or other tissue.
antisepsis
Able to kill bacteria.
bactericidal
Chemical agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
bacteriostatic
Dense colonies of bacteria that adhere tightly to surfaces and are resistant to chemical disinfectants; are a matrix of extracellular polymers produced by microorganisms, which bind the microorganisms tightly to a living or nonliving surface, thus making them highly resistant to antimicrobial action.
biofilms
A quality control mechanism used in the process of sterilization, consisting of a closed system containing harmless, spore-forming bacteria that can be rapidly cultured after the sterilization process.
biological indicator
A method of receiving clean and sterile equipment and preparing it for transportation to a central decontamination area; all equipment is contained within a covered, movable storage cart.
case cart system
A process in which air bubbles are imploded (burst inward), releasing particles of soil or tissue debris.
cavitation
The area of the hospital where medical devices and equipment are processed (aka Central Surgical Supply or Surgical Processing department).
Central Processing (CP) department
Skilled professionals who specialize in processing and maintenance of medical devices used in the healthcare facility.
Central Processing (CP) technicians
A method of testing a sterilization parameter - chemical strips sensitive to physical conditions, such as temperature, are placed with the item being sterilized and change color when the parameter is reached; sometimes called a sterile monitor.
chemical indicator
A process that uses chemical agents to achieve sterilization.
chemical sterilization
A suffix indicating death (ex. “bactericidal” means “to kill bacteria”).
-cidal
A process that removes organic or inorganic soil or debris using detergent and washing.
cleaning
A method of institutional bulk sterilization used by manufacturers to sterilize prepackaged equipment using ionizing radiation.
Cobalt-60 radiation
Rendered non-sterile and unacceptable for use in critical areas of the body.
contaminated
A process in which recently used and soiled medical devices and instruments are rendered safe for personnel to handle.
decontamination
A chemical that breaks down organic debris by emulsification (separation into small particles) to aid in cleaning.
detergent
Destruction of microorganisms by heat or chemical means (note: spores are usually not destroyed by this method).
disinfection
A specific chemical used in detergents and cleaners to penetrate and break down biological debris, such as blood and tissue.
enzymatic cleaner
A highly flammable gas that is capable of sterilizing an object.
ethylene oxide (EO, EtO)
A wrapped sterile item may become contaminated by environmental conditions or events, such as a puncture in the wrapper. Event-related sterility refers to sterility based on the absence of such events. The shelf life of a sterilized pack is event related, not time related.
event-related sterility
Methods and procedures proven to be valid by rigorous testing and professional research.
evidence-based practices
The amount of time goods are held at a specific time, temperature, and pressure during a sterilization process; varies with the size of the load, type of materials being sterilized, type of materials being sterilized, and type of sterilizer (note: exposure time is sometimes called the hold time).
exposure time
Able to kill fungi.
fungicidal
A process that uses the form of matter known as plasma (e.g. hydrogen peroxide plasma) to sterilize an item; also referred to as plasma sterilization.
gas plasma sterilization