Sterilisation

Question 1

what is pasteurisation?

Answer 1

the passing of heat only over an item to kill microorganisms (<140 degrees for ~30 mins)

Question 2

What are some limitations of pasteurisation

Answer 2

Not effective against spore creating bacteria
Long time before things are cool enough to use
Only certain items can be put in machine
Risk of fire

Question 3

What are the forms of sterilisation?

Answer 3

Chemical
Gas
Heat

Question 4

How does an autoclave work?

Answer 4

heat, steam and pressure

Question 5

What types of autoclave are there?

Answer 5

Question 6

What temps, pressure and times are required for effective sterilisation?

Answer 6

Question 7

Explain chemical sterilisation

Answer 7

Also known as cold sterilisation
Not very effective as a means of sterilisation
Mainly liquid forms and would be considered more disinfection.
Some liquids can be a problem when placed in the body.

Question 8

Explain gas sterilisation

Answer 8

Ethylene oxide, inactivates the DNA of the cells. Very effective
Has strict COSHH controls, highly toxic.
Requires training and specific equipment
Cycles are either 12 or 24 hours and cannot be interrupted.
All gas must be evacuated prior to use of the equipment
Excellent for sterilisation of non-autoclavable products such as endoscopes

Question 9

How does a vacuum assisted tabletop autoclave work?

Answer 9

Pressurised steam enters chamber pushing air out (assisted by vacuum)
Steam is hot causing sterilisation
Air then re-enters

Question 10

What methods are there for monitoring sterilisation?

Answer 10

Bowie Dick Tape (temp only)
TST Strips (time, steam, temp)
Browns Tubes

Question 11

How often do supplies need to be re-sterilised if they have not been used?

Answer 11

Storage is recommended 1 year for autoclaved items, 2 years for Gas

Question 12

Answer 12

Question 13

Answer 13

Question 14

Answer 14