Terminology Flashcards
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentstion (AAMI)
The AAMI is an authoritative source of standards for sterilization and disinfection
Antisepsis
A process that greatly reduces the number of microorganisms on skin or other tissue
Bactericidal
Able to kill bacteria
Bacteriostatic
Chemical agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria
Biofilms
Dense colonies of bacteria that adhere tightly to surfaces. Biofilms, which are resistant to chemical disinfectants and scrubbing, are a matrix of extra cellular polymers produced by microorganisms. These substances bind the microorganisms tightly to a living or nonliving surface, making them highly resistant to antimicrobial action
Biological indicator
A quality control mechanism used in the process of sterilization. It consists of a closed system containing harmless, spore forming bacteria that can be rapidly cultured after the sterilization process
Case cart system
A method of receiving clean and sterile equipment and preparing it for transportation to a central decontamination area. All equipment is contained within a covered movable storage cart
Cavitation
A process in which air bubbles are imploded releasing particles of soil or tissue debris
Central processing department
The area of the hospital where medical devices and equipment are processed; also called central surgical supply or the surgical processing department
Central processing technicians
Skilled professionals who specialize in processing and maintenance of medical devices used in the health care facility
Chemical indicator
A method of testing a sterilization parameter. Chemical strips sensitive to physical conditions, such as temperature, are placed with the item being sterilized and change color when the parameter is reached; sometimes called a chemical monitor
Chemical sterilization
A process that uses chemical agents to achieve sterilization
-cidal
A suffix indicating death.
Cleaning
A process that removes organic or inorganic soil or debris using detergent and washing
Cobalt 60 radiation
A method of institutional bulk sterilization used by manufacturers to sterilize prepackaged equipment using ionizing radiation.
Contaminated
Rendered nonsterile and unacceptable for use in critical areas of the body
Decontamination
A process in which recently used and soiled medical devices, including instruments, are rendered safe for personnel to handle
Detergent
A chemical that breaks down organic debris by emulsification to aid in cleaning
Disinfection
Destruction of microorganisms by heat or chemical means. Spores usually are not destroyed by disinfection
Enzymatic cleaner
A specific chemical used in detergents and cleaners to penetrate and break down biological debris, such as blood and tissue
Ethylene oxide
A highly flammable has that is capable of sterilizing an object
Event related sterility
A wrapped sterile item may become contaminated by environmental conditions or events, such as a puncture in the wrapper. Event related sterility refers to sterility based on the absence of such events. The shelf life of a sterilized pack is event related, not time related