Sterilization and Disinfection Flashcards
sterilization
destruction of all microorganisms in or about an object
cleaning is accomplished by what two things
- detergent mixed with water
- mechanical action
Why is it not ok to mix disinfectants?
chemical compounds can react when mixed
What is shelf life?
period of time between activation of solution and disposal
How long does disinfection take?
20minutes of exposure at room temperature
How long does it take for an item to be rendered sterile?
10 hours of immersion
4 methods of removing bio burden
- chelation: binding minerals to prevent deposit
- enzymatic: catalyst for breaking down organic soil
- emulsification: dispersing two liquids not capable of being mixed
- solubilization: solubility of substance increased within a solution
What must items such as endoscope be rinsed with after soaking in disinfectant solution?
- sterile water*
- not distilled
4 recommendations for decontamination in machine?
- instruments in perforated wire mesh tray
- heavier instruments on bottom/not on delicate instruments
- hinged instruments left open allowing solution contact on entire surface area
- instruments with attachments disassembled
Characteristics of ultrasonic cleaner
- uses cavitation to clean instruments*
- removes small organic particles not reached by manual/mechanical means
Product Associated Parameters (5)
- bioburden: degree of contamination with microorg. and org. debris
- bioresistance: factors heat and/or reproductive phase of micro organisms
- biostate: nutritional, physical, reproductive phase of microorganisms
- density: factors affecting penetration and evacuation of instrument
Process Associated Parameters
- temperature
- humidity/moisture/hydration
- time
- purity of agent/air/residual effects/residue
- saturation/penetration
- capacity of sterilizer/position of items
general principle of packaging
- muslin wrap*
- max size: 12high/12wide/20long inches
- not exceed 12 pounds
Special instruction for cleaning instruments with lumens
leave residual amount of distilled water in lumen to prevent entrapment of air
Special instruction for cleaning basins
- separated by porous material
- sponges/linen not inside basin
- placed on lowest shelf, not bottom
- 250f min 20min
What happens when woven wrapped item becomes unsterile?
item must be unwrapped and completely reprocessed including re-washing h
chemical indicators
does not establish sterility/ only process
-external indicator:
-tape
-label
-paper strips
…that change color
bacterial spores for biological monitoring
- bacillus stearothermophilus:
- STEAM UNDER PRESSURE*
- bacillus subtilis:
- dry heat
- hydrogen peroxide plasma
- ETHYLENE OXIDE*
sterilizing methods
- thermal
- chemical
what two factors kill microbes?
moisture/heat
How long does it take for bacillus stearothermophillus at 250degrees?
12min
why is pressure necessary?
raises temperature of steam
Precautions taken when loading sterilizer?
- flat packages placed on edge
- small packages placed on top of each other are criss crossed
- basins placed on sides
What is flash sterilization?
process of sterilizing unwrapped items such as instruments that have been dropped
