Sterilization Flashcards
T/F: Ebola is transmitted through the air.
False
T/F: Ebola can be killed by alcohol hand sanitizer and disinfectant.
True
T/F: Hepatitis B is often transmitted to and from healthcare workers.
True
_________ items come into contact with tissue or the vascular system.
Critical
Ex. surgical instruments
____________ items come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin.
Semi-critical
Ex. Curing lights
___________ items touch skin.
Noncritical
BP cuff
T/F: Sterilization is used on humans.
False
Only inanimate objects
T/F: Disinfectants are regulated by both the EPA and FDA.
True
Disinfectants used on noncritical surfaces is regulated by the _____.
EPA
Chemical sterilants used for semi critical devices is regulated by the ______.
FDA
____________ are used to destroy pathogens on human tissues.
Antiseptics
Antiseptics are regulated by the ______.
FDA
What is the difference between high, intermediate, and low level disinfection?
High - destroys all microorganisms (not spores)
Intermediate - inactivates most bacteria including mycobacterium tuberculosis
Low - kills most bacteria and some viruses, does not kill mycobacterium tuberculosis
T/F: Critical items must be sterilized.
True
What level of disinfection is required for semicritical items?
High or intermediate level
T/F: Low-level disinfectant is sufficient for noncritical items.
True
What are the three methods of heat sterilization?
- Saturated steam under pressure
- Dry heat
- Unsaturated chemical vapor
What is the most common form of steam sterilization?
Autoclave
What is the advantage to dry heat sterilization?
Does not corrode or dull cutting edges
But long cycle
What is the advantage for rapid heat transfer sterilization?
Short cycle, dry at end, does not corrode or dull
T/F: Chemically treated tapes and heat sensitive strips ensure adequacy of sterilization cycle.
False
Only ensure its been through a sterilization cycle
What type of monitoring provides the best guarantee of sterilization?
Biological monitoring
Glass vials or strips with spores
T/F: Chemical sterilants are good to use in place of heat.
FALSE
Only when heat is inappropriate
What chemical sterilant is CDC and ADA acceptable?
Ethylene oxide
T/F: Glutaraldehydes are EPA registered as chemical sterilants.
True
What is the most potent chemical germicide?
Glutaraldehyde
T/F: Glass bead sterilizer is FDA approved.
FALSE
__________ are commonly used disinfectants that are EPA registered.
Chlorine-containing compounds
Rate disinfectants from high to low level.
- Chlorine-containing compounds
- Quaternary ammonium-alcohol combo (CaviWipes)
- Phenols
- Iodine
- Alcohols
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Detergents
T/F: Smaller diameter water lines are more prone to biofilm formation.
True
T/F: If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand rub is good for antisepsis.
True
