Infection Control Flashcards
When does a pathogen become a hazard?
- when it is transferred to a host
- when it is hard to kill
- when it is sufficiently numerous
- when it has a favourable environment
- when the host has inadequate defence
How are pathogens transferred directly?
- contact
- saliva
- droplets
- blood
How are pathogens transferred indirectly?
- hands
- instruments
- surfaces
What are 4 methods of reducing infection risk in practice?
- PPE
- high volume aspiration
- good ventilation
- zoning
What are some problems with using autoclaves?
- can melt some instruments or equipment with low melting points
- can cause corrosion or degradation of metal instruments
- does not thoroughly clean inaccessible areas
- autoclaving does not get rid of biofilms or prions
What are some problems with using handpieces?
- water and air supply
- retraction
- delicate components
- prone to biofilms due to fine tubing
- have to ensure they are lubricated
Which disease is caused by prions which induce pre-existing normal proteins to reconfigure to misfolded form and trigger a chain reaction causing cell death?
creutzfeldt-jacob disease
What should infection control policy include?
- procedures to minimise blood-borne transmission
- decontamination and instrument storage
- cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of instruments
- disposal of clinical waste
- hand washing
- use of PPE
- recommended disinfectants and their use, storage and disposal
Which GDC standard is relevant for infection control?
standard 1
What are 2 routes of transmission for blood borne transmission?
- sharps injury
- contaminated splashes in eyes or open wounds
What are the 5 stages of disinfecting instruments?
- cleaning
- inspection
- sterilise
- inspection
- storage
How long can unwrapped instruments be stored in a clinical area?
up to a day
How long can unwrapped instruments be stored in a non-clinical area?
up to a week
