Principles of sterilisation and disinfection Flashcards
What are two important approaches for infection prevention in healthcare?
Good hygiene practices and disinfectants.
Removal of organisms from patient care equipment.
What is cleaning in the context of infection control?
Mechanical removal of microbes and debris to reduce microorganisms, often preparing for further disinfection or sterilization.
What is sterilisation?
Complete destruction or removal of all microorganisms, including spores and viruses.
What is disinfection?
Reducing or inactivating large numbers of microorganisms to an acceptable level; does not kill spores or all viruses.
What is decontamination?
Using physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy microorganisms on surfaces to make them safe.
What is sanitisation?
Cleaning an object to remove most microorganisms; does not necessarily involve disinfectants.
What three factors are critical for effective disinfection or sterilisation?
Appropriate biocidal agent or method.
Effective contact with all surfaces.
Sufficient exposure time and concentration.
What factors should be considered when selecting a microbial control method?
Time, concentration, organism type, susceptibility, presence of organic matter, and biofilms.
What are the three levels of risk for items in infection control?
Critical: Penetrates sterile tissues or bloodstream.
Semi-Critical: Contacts non-intact skin or mucous membranes.
Non-Critical: Contacts intact skin only.
What process is used for critical items, and what are examples?
Process: Sterilisation (often single-use).
Examples: IV needles, catheters, surgical instruments.
What process is used for semi-critical items, and what are examples?
Process: Sterilisation or high-level chemical disinfection.
Examples: Endoscopes, respiratory equipment.
What process is used for non-critical items, and what are examples?
Process: Cleaning, possibly disinfection.
Examples: X-ray machines, bedpans, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs.
What are the four steps in risk management for infection control?
Plan: Choose the appropriate method.
Do: Implement the method.
Check: Ensure quality assurance.
Act: Address issues for improvement.
Why is cleaning essential before disinfection or sterilisation?
It removes organic material that can shield microorganisms, making subsequent processes more effective.
Why doesn’t disinfection kill all microorganisms?
Disinfection does not kill spores and some viruses, only reducing microorganisms to an acceptable level for specific uses.
