Surg 101-Chapter 8 (Fuller) Flashcards
What is the purpose of decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization?
To control the spread of disease by reducing the number of microbes and preventing their proliferation on the equipment used in patient care.
A chemical used to remove microorganisms on skin or other tissue.
antiseptic
A chemical used to remove microorganisms from inanimate surfaces.
disinfectants
The number and type of live bacterial colonies on a surface before it is sterilized.
bioburden
Refers to any surface or tissue that has come in contact with a potential or actual source of microorganisms.
contaminated
A process in which instruments and supplies are first cleaned and the processed through chemical or mechanical means so that they are safe for handling.
decontamination
A process that removes most but not all microbes on inanimate surfaces.
disinfection
The destruction of all microorganisms including mycobacteria.
high-level disinfection
Effective against mycobacteria and most viruses.
medium-level disinfection
Destroys most viruses and bacteria.
low-level disinfection
Refers to all the steps necessary to render soiled medical devices safe for use on the next patient.
reprocessing
A system used to determine the level of microbial destruction required for medical devices and supplies based on the risk of infection associated with the area of the body where the device is used.
Spaulding system
Risk category assigned o sterile body tissues, including the vascular.
critical risk
Risk category that includes mucous membranes and nonintact skin.
semicritical areas
Risk category that includes intact skin.
noncritical risk
