Infection Control Flashcards
What is disinfection?
A process which eliminates many pathogenic microorganisms (except bacterial spores)
What is sterilisation?
A process that removes or kills all microbial life
When is an instrument defined as sterile?
When possibility of a viable microorganism being present is less than 1 in a million
What microorganisms are most resistant to disinfection?
Prions
What microorganisms are most susceptible to disinfection?
Lipid enveloped viruses
Graeme +ve bateria
What is the preferred wrapping of instruments after decontamination?
Type B cycle - vacuum
What type of steriliser is not vacuum?
Type N
What temperature should instruments be washed for manual cleaning?
30-35 degrees
Not over 45 degrees as prion proteins can start to coagulate and make it more difficult to clean
How often should ultrasonic cleanser solution be changed?
Every 4 hours or after use if visible contaminated
What is a foil ablation test?
Determines the pattern of erosion on aluminium foil strips suspended in ultrasonic cleaner
What is a cleaning efficacy test?
Determines if the ultrasonic is functioning correctly by checking if any residual proteins are left on the instruments
What is a soil test?
Involves removal of artificial soil from a test device
What is the preferred method for a washer-disinfector, thermal or chemical?
Thermal
What are the 5 stages of washer-disinfector?
Flush
Wash
Rinse
Thermal disinfection
Drying
What is used to test a washer-disinfector?
Automatic control test
Efficacy test
