Infection Prevention Flashcards
death of microbes is:
exponential (gradual/time dependent process)
microbial death factors (5)
number, nature, extraneous material, Ph/temp, concentration of sterilizing agent
destroys all microbial forms, including spores
sterilization
destroys most microbial forms, not spores
disinfection
used on living tissue to inhibit or eliminate microbes
anti-sepsis
pasteurization
heating liquids to 62*C x 30 minutes
key to any infection control practice
hand washing
to ensure effective sterilization of instruments-
remove all visible soil first
difference between high, intermediate and low levels of disinfection
high- all except high numbers of spores
intermediate- all except spore
slow- most except spores, TB
MOA of autoclave
uses steam under pressure to denature proteins/membranes and destroy DNA
specifications for autoclave
121*C, 15 psi, 30-60 minutes
MOA of halogens
denatures proteins through the interruption of interchain bonds
examples of halogens
Iodine- most effective skin antiseptic
chlorine- too toxic for skin, used for surfaces/glassware
MOA of phenolic compounds
disrupts membranes and precipitates proteins
pros/cons of phenolic compounds
pros- maintains activity in biologic fluids
cons- not sporicidal, pseudomonas/other gram- are resistant
MOA of quaternary ammonia compounds
cationic detergents that disrupt membranes
cons of quaternary ammonia compounds
cons- not sporicidal, not effective against HBV or TB, some gram- rods can grow in solution
how to kill prions
deactivate by autoclave or expose to undiluted bleach for long periods of time
describe filtration
using pores of 0.22 um will retain bacteria and spores, not effective against viruses or mycoplasma
how to disinfect air supplies that are contaminated with fungal spores
chlorine compounds and iodophors
