Sterilisation

Question 1

What is sterilisation

Answer 1

Destroy all microbes

Question 2

What is disinfectant

Answer 2

Destroy pathogenic microbes

Question 3

What is the quickest mechanism of sterilisation

Answer 3

wet heat autoclave - 120minutes

Question 4

What is quicker for sterilisation wet or dry heat

Answer 4

Wet - 120m

Dry - several hours

Question 5

How does wet heat autoclave work?

Answer 5

Exposure to steam at high pressure
100kPa at 121C

Materials dried
Highpressure vacuum pump can reduce sterilization times
Routine testing to ensure sterilisation effective

Question 6

What is dry heat sterilisation used for?

Answer 6

Instruments that can lose their sharp edge through steam or powders and oils

Fan assisted drying oven heated to 160C

Question 7

What gas can be used for sterilisation

Answer 7

Ethylene oxide

Question 8

How long does ethylene oxide sterildsation take?

Answer 8

24-48h

Acts below air temperature so good for plastic/rubber (heat sensitive)

Question 9

How are industrial disposable medical items sterilised?

Answer 9

Gamma radiation

Question 10

What can be used to disinfect?

Answer 10

Minutes:
Iodine
Chlorhexidine

Seconds:
Ethylalcohol 70% in water

Hours
Phenol - formalin
Glutaraldehyde