Aseptic technique Flashcards
Asepsis (definition)
absence of microbes
Sterile (definition)
absence of living microorganisms (inanimate objects)
Surgically clean (definition)
destruction of all accessible microorganisms on the surface (living organisms=our patients)
contaminated (definition)
a surface or structure where microorganisms are present
What is considered a surgical site infection? (SSI)
infection from a surgical incision within 30 days of surgery
What is considered a surgical site infection if an implant was used?
1 year
What is the most common hospital acquired infection?
surgical infections
What are the possible consequences of surgical infections?
- cost
- morbidity
- mortality–euthaniasia from cost
What can be sources of microbes for surgical site infection?
- environment
- patient
- surgeon
- surgical site–traumatic wound
What can be sources of microbes for surgical site infection?
- environment
- patient
- surgeon
- surgical site–traumatic wound
What are three ways to design the operating room to reduce infection risk?
- clean, mixed and contaminated areas
- designed OR for contaminated vs clean procedures
- positive airflow–air flows from OR to corridors
What is the operating room cleaning protocol?
- clean after each procedure and at start and end of the day
- walls and tables easy to clean
Why should you limit traffic and personnel in the OR?
because +1 person =30% more infections
What are 5 methods of sterilization?
- steam sterilization
- gas (ethylene oxide)
- plasma (H2O2) sterilization
4.
What are 5 methods of sterilization?
- steam sterilization
- gas (ethylene oxide)
- plasma (H2O2) sterilization
- ionizing radiation
- cold chemical
How does steam sterilization work?
- autoclave
- steam under pressure 121 degrees for 15-30 minutes
- coagulates proteins
What does steam sterilization (autoclave)
- cleans instruments
- correct packing, wrapping
- proper positioning in unit
How does gas (ethylene oxide) sterilization work?
- kills microbes by alkylation
How does gas (ethylene oxide) sterilization work?
- kills microbes by alkylation of proteins
What is gas sterilization used for?
heat and moisture sensitive equipment
What are disadvantages of gas sterilization?
- flammable, explosive gas
- very toxic to personnel if exposed
- long sterilization cycle
- needs aeration before use
How does cold sterilization work?
- glutaraldehyde used
2. submerge for 10-12 hours
What is cold chemical sterilization used for?
equipment sensitive to heat that can be submerged
Why must equipment that is cold sterilized be rinsed well?
it is irritating