Sterilization and Disinfection Flashcards
What is sterilization
Destroys all Microbial Life including spores.
What is disinfection (usually chemical)
Destroys pathogens, other microbes/ Spores may survive
When would we use sterilization
Processing scalpel blades/ dental equipment to be used in surgery OR anything that requires touching a sterile movement
When would we use disinfection?
Cleansing work surfaces with bleach solution or disinfectant wipe after each shift
What is antisepsis
Cleansing the skin before giving an injection
What is sanitation
Used dishes are washed with detergent and hot water followed by hot water rinse
What is cleaning
Washing used instruments with detergent and water before further processing
What is cidal
death to all. A couple of examples are germicide, bactericide, and fungicide
What is static
stopping microbial growth. Examples include Bacteriostatic and fungistatic
What is a SUD
Single use device. Usually syringes
What are three types of sterilization methods
Autoclave
Incineration
ethylene oxide (ETO)
What is an Autoclave
Sterilization machine. Done under pressure; “moist heat”
What is the temperature and the time needed to sterilize in a autoclave
121 degrees C; 15 minutes
What is the loading process of an autoclave
- Load items onto perforated tray
- Load Loosely
- Dry goods on edge; lids ajar, jars, tubes»> on sides
What is the testing process for an autoclave
- spore strips are placed in autoclave (center and bottom)
- Place strings in culture medium after autoclaving»> incubate»_space;» check for growth
- growth = spores not killed = autoclave not working properly
What happens if an autoclave package gets wet
It is no longer sterile
What is Incineration
sterilization method which is done offsite where terminal decontamination for biological waste (used needles) happen. We burn at a very high temp
What is Ethylene Oxide
Sterilization method that kills all microbes including spores.
When would we use ethylene oxide
Heat sensitive items (plastics)
Where would we commonly find Ethylene Oxide
Sterile processing dept.
Is ethylene safe for human use?
It is actually toxic to human tissue
What is Spaulding’s classification of items requiring disinfection/ sterilization
Critical
semi critical
non critical
What does Spaulding classify as critical
into sterile area of the body; must be sterile (surgical equipment)
What does Spaulding classify as semi- critical
into/touching area of body that is not sterile; no pathogen, but doesn’t need to be sterile (tongue depressor into mouth)
