Lecture #6 Flashcards
What does sterilization mean?
The absolute removal or destruction of all microbial life and viruses
In sterilization, are all microorganisms eliminated? Endospores?
All microorganisms are eliminated including endospores
What does it mean to disinfect?
Destruction of pathogenic microorganisms
Does disinfection kill all microorganisms?
Most but not all
What are two examples of chemical disinfectants?
Chemical and bleach
What does antisepsis?
Disinfection of living tissue
What does degerming mean?
Removal of most microbes from a limited area
What is an example of mechanical removal?
Swabbing a small area of skin with alcohol
What does sanitization do?
Lower the microbial counts on a surface such that they are at a safe level
The suffix ‘cide’ means?
An agent that kills microbes
A bacterial agent kills…?
Bacteria
The suffix ‘static’ means?
An agent that stops the growth of microbes
A bacteriostatic agent stops…?
the bacteria from reproducing (holds bacteria numbers constant)
What does it mean when an area is asepsis (aseptic)
An area is free of significant contamination
Modern surgical technique occurs ______ in order to minimize infection from operating personal, instruments and the patient
Aseptically
How does heat control microbial growth?
Kills microbes by destroying their fundamental enzymes
Moist heat is very effective at destroying what kind of bonds?
Hydrogen bonds
Boiling for 5 minutes would do what to pathogens? Viruses? Endospores? Would it be considered disinfecting?
Pathogens- Kill most
Viruses- Kill most
Endospores- Does not kill
Accomplishing disinfection
An autoclave can only be used for things that…?
Can handle high heat
How does an autoclave work?
Uses 15psi of press and 121 degree of steam
Does an autoclave kill endospores? What about other organisms?
Yes in 15 minutes, kills all other organisms
What is the best method for sterilization?
An autoclave
What are some examples of real life uses for autoclaves
- Culture media
2. Hospital Instruments
For an autoclave to be affective what must work?
All liquids must reach 121 degrees and all physical surfaces must be exposed to steam