Ch.9 Disinfection Flashcards
(43 cards)
What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?
Disinfection gets rid of most microbes not including spores. Sterilization is the removal of all living organisms.
A chemical used on inanimate objects such as medical instruments to kill all microorganisms , except spores.
Disinfectant
A chemical used on living tissue such as skin, to slow the growth of microorganisms.
Antiseptic
The destruction of nearly all pathogenic microorganisms on an inanimate surface. Disinfection is accomplished using chemical or heat processes.
Disinfection
Free from all living organisms.
Sterile
What is the selection of disinfectants based on
Intended use
Degree/level of disinfection required
Reduces the number of microorganisms on an object.
Chemical Disinfection
What are the prevalent Factors Impacting the
Effectiveness of Disinfectants
Excessive Moisture
Dilution
Type and number of microorganisms present
Direct Contact
Time
How does excessive moisture effect disinfectants?
Excessive moisture can cause disinfectant solutions to become diluted,
How does dilution effect the impact of disinfectants?
Disinfectants are designed to be used at a specific strength. Check IFU
How does time effect the impact of disinfectants?
Disinfectants must be allowed time to work. Check IFU
How does direct contact with the item effect the impact of disinfectants?
In order to be effective, disinfectants must make direct contact with all surfaces being disinfected.
When was the Spaulding Classification first developed?
It was first developed in the 1950’s as a representative system
What is the purpose of the Splaulding Classification?
Helps the user decide which level of disinfection would be appropriate
What is the Spaulding Classification based on?
Based on the potential risk of infection posed to a patient
What are the 3 categories of the Spaulding Classification?
critical, semi-critical, or noncritical.
Describe Critical Items
Penetrates or enters tissue or spaces that normally are sterile, including the vascular system
Ex: Surgical instruments, implants
Describe Semi-Critical Items
Items which come in contact with intact mucous membranes and non‐intact skin
Ex: Fiber optic Endoscopes, Cystoscopes, etc.
Describe Non-Critical Items.
Come in direct contact with the patient’s unbroken skin.
Ex: Crutches, Blood Pressure Cuffs, equipment, electrocardiogram (EKG) leads, stethoscopes
What is the goal when dealing with Critical Items?
Goal: Sterility = devoid of all microbial life
What is the goal when working with Semi-Critical Items?
Goal: High‐level disinfection = free of all microorganisms except low numbers of bacterial spores
What is the goal when working with Non-Critical Items?
Goal: Kill vegetative bacteria, fungi, viruses
When are Low and intermediate level disinfectants used?
Used on intact skin, hard environmental surfaces, mobile equipment
How can the germicidal action of disinfectants be reduced?
By the presence of soil.
