Ch 11 Sterilisation Flashcards
sterilization
process of destroying all microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi, and prions)
through chemical or physical means
disinfection
disinfection is anything less than sterilization
High-level: any microorganisms present, with the exception of large numbers of bacterial spores.
Intermediate-level: not kill bacterial spores
low-level: kill most vegetative bacteria, as well as some fungi and viruses
classification scheme developed by Spaulding
Critical, semicritical, and noncritical.
critical: high risk for infection because they come in contact with the bloodstream or sterile tissues.
surgical instruments, catheters, needles, and implants, all of which should be sterilized.
Semicritical: contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin, such as endotracheal tubes
options for cleaning of surgical instruments prior to sterilisation? (2)
**Manual cleaning **
enzymatic cleaners or detergents (no bubbles)
**Mechanical cleaning **
Ultasonic cleaning with cavitation, washer decontaminators, washer disinfectors and washer sterilisers. Instruments must be thoroughly rinsed after cycle is complete
What is the only approvel method for drying instruments prior to steilisation?
Filtered, medical grade compressed air
What are the ideal properties of a wrapping material? (8)
Prevent microbial penetration
Permeable to the sterilising agent
Resistant to heat
Allow for aeration
Possess minimal wrap memory
Long shelf-life with sufficient strength and durability
Free of toxic ingredients and dyes
Provide a barrier to fluid
Does not exist
What is the most common wrap material? What are its downsides?
Cotton muslin wrap
- Can generate lint
- Not moisture resistant
- Requires a double layer
List the types of available sterilisation (7)
Liquid chemical germicides (cold sterilisation)
Steam sterilisation
Ethylene oxide sterilisation
Ozone sterilisation
Plasma sterilisation
Vapourised Hydrogen Peroxide
Sterilisation by radiation (gamma)
List some options for cold sterilisation. What are the problems with cold sterilisation
Glutaraldehyde 1-1.5%
Hydrogen peroxide 7.5%
Should be considered high level disinfectants rather than sterilisation.
Gluteraldehyde is irritation to skin and can decrease pulmonary function.
It is acidic and requires buffering prior to use.
agents that combine acceptable efficacy (especially against spores) with low levels of user, instrument, and environmental toxicity have proved elusive. Additionally, these products suffer from decreased ability to access microbes in the interiors or crevices of items when compared with thermal methods of sterility.
How do steam sterilisers work
Kill microorganisms through coagulation and denaturation of proteins by moist heat
- Water serves as a catalyst and allows lower temperatures to be used
2 types of steam sterilisers?
Gravity-displacement (steam rises to the top and cool air is removed though a valve at the bottom)
Prevacuum type - A pump is used to remove air before steam is admitted to allow for very rapid and uniform steam distribution
121C for 30 minutes with 15-30mins drying
What are the potential causes of wet packs after steam sterilisation? 5
Improper loading
too large metal mass
Overloaded tray
Lack of absorbent materials
Insufficient cooling time
What is the recommended temp and time for dry heat sterilisation? When is this indicated?
160C for 120 mins
Certain sharp instruments, glassware and powders can be damaged by moisture
guidelines for flash sterilisation of a metallic, unwrapped, nonporous item in a gravity-displacement autoclave?
135C for 3min with 1min drying
safety concerns surrounding ethylene oxide?
Carcinogenic, mutagenic and neurologic hazards
