LO 6 Flashcards
Describe sterilization monitoring
- The goal of sterilization is to kill all forms of microbial life on processed items
- Absolute sterility impossible to achieve
- This “sterility assurance level” is achieved with proper monitoring
In what 7 scenarios do sterilization failures occur?
- Not all surfaces exposed for sufficient length of time
- Instruments not properly cleaned beforehand–debris can insulate organisms from sterilizing agent.
- Incorrect or excessive packaging material used.
- Sterilizer overloaded or packages not properly separated.
- Equipment malfunction e.g. sterilizer timer gives misreading
- Improper/insufficient temperature
- Improper method e.g. water used in dry-heat sterilizer
What are the 3 forms of sterilization monitoring?
- Biologic (spore tests) - Use biological spores to assess the sterilization process directly
- Chemical - Change in color when physical parameter is reached
- Mechanical - Measure time, temp, pressure
Describe biological sterilization monitoring
- Also called “spore testing” (Geobacillus stearothermophilus)
- Most frequently used method
- Spores death - ensure overall thoroughness
- spores strips, processed through sterilizer, removed and placed in culture medium to determine vitality
- Daily spore testing recommended for each sterilizer in a dental office
- “in office” or “mail-in” from private company)
What is the bacteria used in biologic (spore testing) sterilization monitoring?
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
When should you spore test sterilizers?
- Once per day (recommended)
- Whenever a new type of packaging material or tray is used
- After training of new sterilization staff
- During initial use of a new sterilizer
- First run after a repair
- After any other change in sterilizing procedure
If the biological monitoring fails to kill spores (positive test), this requires _________
immediate action
Describe chemical monitoring
- Heat-sensitive chemicals that change color
- Some examples are: autoclave tape; special markings on pouches and bags; chemical indicator strips; tabs, packets or tubes of colored liquid
What are the 2 main types of chemical indicators?
- Color-changing strip–does not guarantee sterilization has been achieved (autoclave tape, markings on bags)
- “Integrated” indicator -changes color or form slowly in response to combination of time, temperature and presence of steam; placed inside packages to guarantee sterilization has occurred
Describe mechanical monitoring
- Involves observing and recording sterilizing temperature, pressure and exposure time via gauges and displays on sterilizer
- Can print out
- Permanent monitoring record
- Monitor conditions inside sterilizer but not necessarily inside instrument packages i.e. not guarantee sterilization has been achieved
_______ items should be cleaned and sterilized by heat
Critical and semi-critical
Semi-critical items that are ________ should at minimum be cleaned and treated with a high-level disinfectant
Heat sensitive
________ items should be cleaned and treated with a low-level or intermediate disinfectant. If you can see ______ on an item, use med-level instead.
- Non-critical
- Blood
Describe critical instruments
- Penetrate mucous membranes or contact bone, the bloodstream, or other normally sterile tissues (of the mouth)
- Heat sterilize between uses or use sterile single-use, disposable devices
- Examples include surgical instruments, scalpel blades, periodontal scalers, and surgical dental burs
Describe semi-critical instruments
- Contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue
- Heat sterilize or high-level disinfection
- Examples: Dental mouth mirrors, amalgam condensers, impression trays and dental handpieces (special case; SHOULD be sterilized due to internal parts)
Describe non-critical instruments
- Contact intact (unbroken) skin which serves as an effective barrier to microorganisms
- Low-risk to transmitting infections
- Clean and disinfect using a low to intermediate level disinfectant
- Examples of instruments in this category include X-ray head/cones, stethoscope and blood pressure cuff
How should processed instruments be dried and cooled?
- Packaged instruments - allowed to dry and cool down in sterilizer before handling
- Unpackaged instruments - should be covered immediately to prevent possible contamination from air
What are the 3 elements of handling processed instruments?
- Drying and cooling
- Storage
- Opening of instrument packages
How should processed packages be stored?
- Store in covered or closed cabinets, protected from sources of contamination. (Away from Sewer & Water pipes; Few inches away from ceilings & floors; heat; sinks)
- Unwrapped instruments: no shelf life (use right away)
- Wrapped instruments: should be used in order of the oldest sterilized packs first! (first in, first out)