Lesson 10 (Part 2) Flashcards
What are 2 methods of low temperature sterilization methods?
- Uses ethylene oxide
- ETO - Chemical Sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
What is ETO most commonly used for? (2)
- Temperature
2. Moist sensitive medical devices
What must ETO be used with?
A stabilizing gas
What is chemical sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma used for?
Plastics devices and electrical devices that cannot tolerate high temperatures or humidity
How long are chemical sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma used for?
The cycle is less than an hour
What temperature is considered low temperature sterilization?
< 60 C
What does ionizing radiation use?
Cobalt 60 gamma rays
Why is ionizing radiation hardly used in healthcare settings?
Very costly
- ETO methods are better
When are dry heat sterilizers only required for? (2)
- Items damaged by moist heat
2. Items impenetrable to moist heat
How do you maintain sterility with the items?
They must be contained in the same way
How are sterility items maintained?
They are in rigid containers and you peel open the pouches or sterilization wraps
What is a common practice with maintaining sterilization?
Double wrapping with sterilization wraps
What does double wrapping with sterilization wraps offer?
Multiple layers of protection
- often creating a package within a package
Where are chemical indicators attached to?
The outside of each packages
What kind of sensitivity do chemical indicators have? (2)
- Heat
2. Chemical
What will chemical indicators do if they reach certain sterilization parameters?
They will change colours
What do chemical indicators assure?
That the physical and chemical conditions are met for sterilization
What are considered the more ideal indicator?
Biological indicators
Why are biological indicators considered the more ideal indicator?
Because they directly indicate if resistant microorganisms such as bacillus spores are present
What do we know if the biological indicator is not activated?
We know that any potential pathogens have been killed in the process
What does it mean if lines appear on the indicator?
That it has been exposed
What does it mean if there is nothing on the indicator?
It hasn’t been exposed
What must sterilization process, medical and surgical devices be handled using?
Aseptic technique
What does aseptic techniques involve?
Specific practices with the goal of minimizing contamination by pathogens
What does aseptic techniques involve?
Strictest rules
- uses what it knowns about infection prevention to minimize the risks of microorganisms
What is aseptic techniques used for? (3)
- Making fewer mistakes
- Reducing the risk of contamination
- Reducing the risk of spreading the disease
How do we know the package stays sterile? (3)
- Put dates on their sterilized packages
- This way the first in policy is used
- the oldest package is used before one sterilized today - Recognizing the package should remain sterile until an event contaminates them
- such as being torn or wet a package
When should you not use a sterile package? (6)
- If it is wet
- If it is torn
- If it is visibly dirty
- If you leave the room and come back
- Not stored properly
- Dropped on the floor
What can happen if a sterile package is wet? (even with clean water) (2)
- It can seep through
2. Can attach other bacteria
What are 3 factors that can affect the maintaining of sterility?
- How it is stored
- How it is handled
- If it is properly cleaned
What should happen to all sterile packages before use?
Inspected to see if the barriers/integrity/dryness has been compromised
