Hygiene & infection control

Question 1

What are the four main micro-organisims?

Answer 1

• Bacteria
• Protozoa
• Viruses
• Fungal

Question 2

What are the principles of hygiene?

Answer 2

• Maintain animal health and wellfare
• Prevent the spread of disease and keeping the environment clean (to protect patients and ourselves from pathogens)
• Comply with health department regulations
• Present a good image

Question 3

What causes infectious diseases?

Answer 3

Micro-organisims

Question 4

What is a disinfectant?

Answer 4

A chemical used to destroy or inhibit the growth of the micro-organisims on inanimate objects (not on skin)

Question 5

What is antiseptic?

Answer 5

A chemical used to destroy or inhibit the growth of micro-organisims on living tissue (can be used on skin)

Question 6

What two types of alcohol, what is isopropyl used for?

Answer 6

• It will destroy most bacteria and some viruses
  Weak action against fungi and not effective against bacterial spores

Question 7

What is chlorine (hypochlorites) and what is it used for?

Answer 7

Bleach

It is effective against bacteria, spores, fungi and viruses

Question 8

What is Chlorhexidine used for?

Answer 8

Good activity against most bacteria, some viruses and fungi. No effect on spores.

This is used on the skin as an antiseptic

Question 9

What are 3 quarternary ammonium combinations? What is their use?

Answer 9

F10
Trigene
Safe 4

Good activity against bacteria, fungi (and their spores) and viruses

Question 10

What are the 3 main processes (tiers) that are used to achieve a hygienic state?

Answer 10

Cleaning
Disinfectant
Sterilisation

Question 11

Can you dispose of disinfectant down the sink?

Answer 11

You can if you triple dilute it