Act 10-11 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is the definition of sterilization?
Removal of Microbial life
Sterilization is the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life.
What is a common application of sterilization?
Surgical Instruments
Sterilization is crucial for ensuring that surgical instruments are free from all microorganisms.
What are the advantages of sterilization?
Complete Microbial elimination
This ensures a high level of safety in medical and laboratory settings.
What are the disadvantages of sterilization?
Time-consuming, expensive
The processes involved in sterilization can be resource-intensive.
What is commercial sterilization?
Heat treatment
Commercial sterilization is often used in food processing to eliminate pathogens.
What is the definition of disinfection?
Destruction of vegetative pathogens
Disinfection reduces microbial load on surfaces.
Where is disinfection commonly applied?
Hospital surfaces, equipment
Disinfection is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections.
What are the advantages of disinfection?
Quick microbial reduction
Disinfection can rapidly decrease the number of viable pathogens.
What are the disadvantages of disinfection?
Not effective against all microbes
Some resistant strains may survive disinfection processes.
What is the definition of antisepsis?
Destruction of vegetative pathogens on living tissue
Antisepsis is crucial for preventing infections during medical procedures.
Where is antisepsis commonly applied?
Living tissue (Skin)
Antiseptics are used on skin to prevent infection in wounds.
What are the advantages of antisepsis?
Prevents infection on wounds
Antiseptics are vital for maintaining sterile conditions in healthcare.
What are the disadvantages of antisepsis?
May cause irritation
Some antiseptic agents can irritate the skin or tissue.
What is the definition of degerning?
Removal of microbes from a limited area
Degerming is often used in hand hygiene practices.
What is the definition of sanitization?
Used in eating and drinking utensils
Sanitization aims to reduce microbial load to safe levels.
Where is sanitization commonly applied?
Food surfaces, equipment
Ensures that utensils are safe for food preparation and consumption.
What are the advantages of sanitization?
Maintains hygienic conditions, safe levels
Regular sanitization helps prevent foodborne illnesses.
What are the disadvantages of sanitization?
Requires regular application
Ongoing efforts are necessary to maintain sanitized conditions.
What factor affects the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments related to the number of microbes?
More microbes = Longer time to eliminate entire population
Higher microbial loads require more time for effective treatment.
What environmental influences affect antimicrobial treatment effectiveness?
Presence of organic matter, Temperature, Nature of suspending medium, pH
These factors can significantly impact the efficacy of antimicrobial agents.
What is the relationship between time of exposure and antimicrobial treatment effectiveness?
Extended EXPOSURE = more EFFECTIVE
Longer exposure times generally lead to better microbial kill rates.
What microbial characteristics affect their resistance to antimicrobial agents?
Structures that render resistance to antimicrobial agents
Some microbes have unique structures that make them hard to eliminate.
What is the most resistant bacterium?
- PRIONS
Prions are the most resistant forms of infectious agents.
What is the second most resistant bacterium?
- ENDOSPORES OF BACTERIA
Endospores can survive extreme conditions and are highly resistant.
