Sterilisation Flashcards
what is asepsis?
exclusion of microorganisms and spores
what is antisepsis?
prevention of sepsis by destruction or inhibition of microorganisms using an agent that may be safely applied to tissue
what are some goals of sterilisation?
- to kill all forms of life
- reduces the risk of transmission of infectious agents
what are some types of sterilisation?
- heat (dry, steam)
- cold (chemicals, ethylene oxide, gamma)
what are some factors that affect rate of infection?
- time lapse between cleaning
- location and number of microorganisms
- temperature
- environmental pH
- organic matter
- type of organism
- insufficient cleaning
what are brownes tubes?
liquid filled glass tubes that contain a heat sensitive dye that will change colour
what is a spore test?
a strip is placed in a hot air oven and then cultured
what temperature and time does glassware have to be sterilised for in a dry heat oven?
180 degrees c for 60 mins
what temperature and time does powders and oils have to be sterilised for in a dry heat oven?
160 degrees c for 120 mins
what temperature and time do sharp instruments have to be sterilised for in a dry heat oven?
150 degrees c for 180 mins
what are four types of cold sterilisation?
- ethylene oxide
- gamma
- chemical
- alcohol
what temperature does ethylene oxide steriliser operate at?
37-63 degrees
what can be sterilised by gamma rays?
consumables
what are some chemical sterilisation methods?
- QAC
- Alcohol
- bleach
