Infection Control

Question 1

Explain the term ‘antiseptic’

Answer 1

A chemical agent that either kills pathogenic micro organisms or inhibits their growth. Applied to living tissue or aminate objects.

Question 2

Explain the term ‘disinfectant’

Answer 2

An agent that possesses the property of destroying or inhibiting the growth of micro organisms on inanimate objects.

Question 3

What does the term ‘disinfection’ mean?

Answer 3

Removal of micro organisms but not necessarily all pathogens and their spores

Question 4

What does the term ‘sterilisation’ mean?

Answer 4

A process capable of destroying all living micro organisms - including spores. It’s achieved by use of physical or chemical agents.

Question 5

What does the term ‘asepsis’ mean?

Answer 5

Practice to reduce or eliminate micro organisms from entering the operative field or to prevent infection

Question 6

What is an endogenous route?

Answer 6

Those that originate from within the body of the patient

Question 7

What is an exogenous route?

Answer 7

Sources of contamination that include the air, surgical instruments, surgical team and patients skin

Question 8

What are some factors that influence the choice of disinfectant

Answer 8

The intended use, efficiency/contact time, safety of staff and animals, activity against virus, fungi, spores etc