The Sterilization Process Flashcards
Define asepsis
the absence of pathogenic microorganisms
Define sterility
the absence of virtually all microorganisms
What is biofilm?
the accumulation of bioburden
What is bioburden composed of?
bacteria and other biological elements
What is biofilm the result of?
tight adhesion of bioburden to the instrument’s surface
What does biofilm inhibit?
inhibits the ability of cleaning solutions and disinfectants to effectively decontaminate the instrument
What does biofilm prevent?
prevents successful sterilization
What do you want to discard before transport to sterilization department?
- sharps into sharps container
2. liquids per federal, state, and local regulations or transport them in a leak-proof container
What do you want to separate sharp instruments from before transport?
delicate and heavy intstruments
When applicable, what should you follow for instrument disassembly prior to transport to the decontamination area?
manufacturer’s IFU
What should you moisten instruments or do before transport?
Moisten with an enzymatic pre-treatment product or cover with a water-soaked towel.
What does a washer-disinfector/decontaminator combine?
combines mechanical, thermal, and chemical actions
What are cycles specific to with a washer-disinfector/decontaminator?
cycles are specific to the instruments being cleaned. They deliver the exact amount of chemical needed
What does an ultrasonic cleaner do?
Removes soil from hard-to-access areas of the instrument by cavitation
what is the use of high-frequency sound waves that form microscopic bubbles that become unstable and implode, creating small vacuums that remove debris from the instrument’s crevices and surfaces?
cavitation
What are the two types of mechanical cleaning equipment?
- washer-disinfector/decontaminator
2. ultrasonic cleaners
What is a critical component in the cleaning of equipment?
water temperature
what are used in decontamination sinks to ensure that the water is in the appropriate temp range, as determined by the cleaning solution manufacturer?
temperature indicators
What is cool water good for?
prevents blood coagulation on instruments and helps to remove gross soil from instrument crevices, joints, and lumens
Why is hot water bad?
can denature blood proteins which makes blood removal more difficult
What provides details on the amount of product needed and appropriate water temp.?
detergent manufacturer’s IFU
What does fully submerging the instrument in the water decrease?
decreases risk of chemical and contaminant aerosolization
What is a BI used to monitor?
the sterilizer’s efficiency and effectiveness
What does the BI test demonstrate?
whether the sterilization conditions were adequate to kill the non-pathogenic spore housed within the BI.
What does a negative BI mean?
sterilization conditions were met
How much can an instrument set and container weigh?
no more than 25 lbs.
What does a set weighing more than 25 lbs require?
longer drying times
What can heavier sets increase the risk of?
risk of injury to health care personnel
What should you follow regarding the method and weight of the loaner instrument or device set?
manufacturer’s IFU
What must the BI be specific to?
the sterilization method
What should be performed weekly with BI’s?
the quality test
What is specific with ethylene oxide-specific BI’s?
included with each ethylene oxide load run
What is important to remember with BI’s and implants?
must be included with each sterilization load that contains one or more implants.
What must result before an implant can be released?
BI test
What happens with a positive BI result
- immediately reported
- the sterilizer is not used
- items processed in the same sterilizer are recalled and reprocessed based not he last negative BI test
- further testing is done before the sterilizer is cleared for use.
What is done with a positive vial from the same lot?
incubated as the test vial (NOT STERILIZED)
The shelf life of processed instruments is related to what?
events, not time
What are event-related elements w/shelf life?
- the type of packaging
- storage conditions –> moisture, dust, sunlight, exposure to excesses in humidity and temp
- package/tray transport methods
- Frequency and method of package/tray handling
What are 3 critical components of IUSS?
- The same cleaning and decontamination processes must be followed int he sterile processing department, per manufacturer’s IFU
- A US food and drug administration - approved rigid, enclosed sterilization container must be used.
- Items processed by IUSS must be transported to the point of use and not stored for future surgical procedures.
What does IUSS use?
high temp and moisture
What are the 3 types of surgical packages?
- sterilization wraps
- peel packages
- rigid
What are examples of sterilization wraps?
reusable, woven OR single-use non woven
What are type of instrument are used in peel packages?
small, light weight, low profile (not sharp or large)
What are rigid packages?
various sizes for each sterilization method
What are the 2 types of steam sterilizers?
- gravity displacement
2. prevacuum
