Disinfection + Sterilization Flashcards
What is the name for a hospital acquired infection?
Nosocomial
What is a Nosocomial infection?
Infection acquired in hospital by the patient, admitted for another reason besides the infection
Why is it important to know about nosocomial infections?
Cost hospitals billions a year
What does SSI stand for?
Surgical Site Infection
What is a SSI?
Infection that occurs after surgery in part of the body where surgery takes place
What are the most common symptoms of an SSI?
Redness and pain
Drainage of cloudy fluid
Fever
When should pre-surgical AB’s be started?
About 60 minutes before the surgery starts
When should surgical AB’s be stopped?
Within 24 hours of surgery ending
What is the normal rate of SSI?
~5%
What does antiseptic mean?
Prevents/arrest growth of microorganisms
What is antiseptic placed on?
Living tissue
What does asepsis mean?
Prevention of content with microorganisms
What is an autoclave?
Sterilizes instruments or other objects using steam under pressure
What is a disinfectant?
Chemical/Physical agent that destroys microorganisms
What don’t disinfectants kill?
Spores
What are disinfectants applied to?
Inanimate objects
What is a sanitizer?
Agent that reduces number of bacterial contaminants to safe levels as judged by public health requirements
What does being sterile indicate?
State of being free from all living organisms
What are the three levels of disinfectant?
Low + Intermediate + High
What does low level disinfectant?
Vegetative bacteria + Fungi + Influenze