Sterilization and Disinfection Flashcards
Disinfection
A chemical or physical process of destroying all pathogenic microorganisms, except spores, on inanimate objects
Decontamination
the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne or other pathogens on a surface or item.
Sterilization
The complete elimination of all forms of microorganisms
HIGH-level disinfection
A process that destroys all microorganisms with the exception of HIGH numbers of bacterial spores.
Immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) can be used in…
urgent situations. Use should be limited and items should be used immediately.
A packaging system for items undergoing sterilization should….
permit aseptic delivery of contents to the sterile field.
Ethylene Oxide sterilization is dependent on which 4 variables?
- Time
- Gas concentration
- Temperature
- Humidity (45-75%)
Warning: EO exposure is potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic to personnel and patients.
Use of paracetic acid on surgical items requires that the items must be…
immersible.
An integrator is a multi-parameter indicator designed to provide an integrated response to defined combinations of….
Temperature
Time
Steam
The length of time an item is consider sterile is based on what 7 conditions?
- type of packaging
- external events (including # of X pkg is handled)
- # of personnel handling the pkg
- storage on open or closed shelves
- condition of storage area (temp, humidity, air exchange, cleanliness)
- use of dust covers
- conditions during transport
NOT time from initial sterilization or method
Low temp H2O2 vapor sterilization
- Used for moisture and heat sensitive items
- Byproducts are oxygen and water vapor - nontoxic
- Items must be clean, thoroughly dry and pkg’d in FDA approved packaging.
- Does not require aeration
- works against bacteria, viruses, spores and fungus
- Items may be stored for future use
