Definitions Flashcards
Biological Indicator
spore test using commercially available preparation of heat-resistant spores used to verify the sterilizer is working properly. (has temp, pressure , and time req.) Done biweekly, spore test strips sent to lab and results must be kept for min 1 year.
Bowie-Dick test
A test that determines whether a dynamic air removal type sterilizer has properly evacuated air from the load, unlike integrators which provide information about the conditions necessary to destroy microorganisms
Chemical Indicator
A system that reveals a change in one or more predefined process variables based on a chemical or physical change resulting from exposure to the process. Each package must include a level 3, and each loas must contain a Type 5 to indicate all parameters were met. MEthyl MEthacrylate
Contact Time
The length of time a disinfecting agent is to be in contact with a target surface or device to achieve the desired efficacy
Critical Equipment
Equipment that penetrates skin and enters sterile tissue or bloodstream. Requires sterilization.
Semi-critical equipment
equipment that comes in contact with mucous membranes or potentially nonintact skin. Requires high level disinfectant
Non- critical equipment
Equipment that comes into contact with intact skin only, but has a potential for accidental cuts- use intermediate level disinfectant
Equipment that does not come into contact with person or only with intact skin- low level disinfectant
Detergent
A cleansing agent that can emulsify oil and suspend soil and that removes dirt from surfaces or devices
Disinfection
Process that kills or destroys most disease producing micro-organisms. With the exception of high numbers of bacterial spores. 3 levels, must be cleaned before being disinfected.
High level disinfectant
for semi-critical equipment, is capable of destroying or inactivating all microbial pathogens but not necessarily large numbers of bacterial spores.
Integrators
Type 5 chemical indicators that responds to all critical parameters of steam sterilization- time, temp, presence of steam. 1 must be included in each batch
Intermediate-level disinfectant
Capable of destroying or inactivating all microbial pathogens including mycobacteria but not bacterial spores. For non-critical equipment
Low level disinfectant
capable of destroying vegetative bacteria- non critical
Mechanical monitors
Also called physical, Mechanical recording of time, temp, date, pressure and user for each load. Sign and date print out of each cycle and keep in log book
Methyl methacrylate
MMA - a chemical substance with strong adhesive properties that has been prohibited by health Canada
