P1 | Sterilization and Disinfection (LECTURE) Flashcards
Refers to the destruction of all forms of life, including bacterial spores
- Originated more than 100 years ago
- Complete removal of microorganisms including spores
- “All or nothing” process
Sterilization
What methods are used in Sterilization?
- Physical method
- Chemical method
Refers to a process that eliminates a defined scope of microorganisms, including some spores
- Reduces the number of microorganisms
- Physical or chemical methods may be used, but most disinfectants are chemical agents applied to inanimate objects
Disinfection
Substance applied to the skin for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the number of bacteria present
Do not kill spores and cannot be used as disinfectants
- destroy/inhibit the growth of microorganisms
- Joseph Lister used:
Antiseptic
E.g., Alcohol
- Carbolic acid
Factors that Affect the Degree of Killing of Microorganisms
(T.O, N.O, C.D.A, P.O.M, N.S.D, C.T, T, pH, BF, CoD)
- Types of Organisms
- Number of Organisms
- Concentration of Disinfecting Agent
- Presence of Organic Material
- Nature of Surface to be Disinfected
- Contact Time
- Temperature
- pH
- Biofilms
- Compatibility of Disinfectants
Different organisms have varying ability in withstanding and chemical and physical treatment due to the different biochemical composition of these organisms and various mechanisms that they use to protect themselves
Types of Organisms
Types of Organisms
(SFB, MB spp., BFB, P)
- Spore forming Bacteria
- Mycobacterium spp.
- Biofilm forming Bacteria
- Prions
Types of Organisms
Spores are coated with proteins, lipids and carbohydrates as well as dipicolinic acid calcium
SFB
- able to resist heat
Spore forming Bacteria
Types of Organisms
cell wall is high in lipid which enables them to become resistant to most environmental stress such as desiccation
MB spp.
Mycobacterium spp.
Types of Organisms
certain bacteria can aggregate into communities of bacteria which makes then resistant to chemical and physical means of destruction
(BFB)
Biofilm forming Bacteria
- Biofilm: microorganism living in community
Types of Organisms
naked pieces of proteins, similar to viruses but without the nucleic acid, that is most resistant to the action of heat, radiation, and chemicals
- agent able to cause the generative diseases of our nervous system
Prions
this factor basically refers to the amounts of organisms present in the object to be treated referred to as microbial load (bioburden)
- the higher the number of organisms, the longer the exposure time needed to eliminate 99.9% of the microorganisms
Number of Organisms
The amount needed to destroy microorganisms varies based on the agent to be used.
concentrated agents do not necessarily mean that it would work better
- It is therefore important to follow, the correct preparation and dilution as prescribed by the manufacturer.
- 1:10 bleach (common disinfectant)
Concentration of Disinfecting Agent
Blood, puss, and mucus are examples of organic materials that may prevent the full contact of the agent to the organisms, hence limiting its action
POM
- Example: is bleach (sodium hypochlorite) that is easily inactivated by organic material.
Presence of Organic Material
Some instrument that we use in the laboratory sometimes are made up of biomaterial which exempts them to disinfection or sterilization due to possible damage
NSD
- Example: is endoscopic instruments which can’t be autoclaved
Nature of Surface to be Disinfected
It is critical to observe proper (___) of the agent and the object to be disinfected or sterilized.
- In principle, (____) may be affected by all previous factors already mentioned as well as temperature
Contact Time
Alcohol and betadine has to be in contact for about (____) to work properly
1-2 minutes
- Spore forms may need more contact time than its vegetative counterpart
their activity may increase at a certain degree by a corresponding increase in temperature or may decrease when temperature is decreased
Temperature
Temperature
disinfectants are usually used at room temperature (____)
20C to 220C
Temperature
Too high or low temperature may?
inactivate disinfectants and sterilants
It is also important to consider the (____) of the material to be treated and he agent itself.
- Manufacturers usually optimize this factor to achieve maximum activity
pH
Certain bacteria have to ability to form communities of layers of bacteria with protective shield which is called as?
- community of bacteria
- Inanimate and animate objects
Biofilms
It is important to consider that (____) formation may require longer contact time or increase in the concentration of the agent
- E.g., Hospital – Catheter (lots of bacteria)
Biofilm
Some disinfectants may inactivate the action of another hence it is also important to consider the (____)
- bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds which may negate each other
Compatibility of Disinfectants
METHODS OF STERILIZATION
Physical methods:
* Moist Heat
* Dry Heat
* Ionizing Radiation
* Filtration
Chemical Methods:
* Peracetic Acid
* Formaldehyde Vapor/ Vapor Phase H2O2
* Glutaraldehyde
* Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Gas
Physical Methods
coagulation of bacterial proteins including bacterial enzymes
Moist Heat
Simplest means of sterilizing a material:
Heat
Types of moist heat:
A.T.I
- Autoclave
- Tyndallization
- Inspissation
Physical Methods: moist heat
operates based on the principle of steam under pressure
Autoclave