Mod 6 Flashcards
What is a SUD?
Single Use Device - it is an item that can only be used once and then gets disposed
What are the 4 principle methods of inhibiting growth/ destorying microscopic life forms?
- Sterilization
- Disinfection
- Sanitation
- Cleaning
Define sterilization
Sterilization destroys all microscopic life forms; is an absolute term meaning an object is either sterile or not sterile (no in between)
Define disinfection
Eliminates recognized pathogens but not all microbial forms. Usually applies to non living/ inanimate objects
Define antisepsis
Disinfection of tissue (skin or mucous membrane)
Define sanitation
Sanitation is the removal of pathogenic micro organisms from non living / inanimate objects by using mechanical or chemicals
Define cleaning
Cleaning is the removal of foreign material (like soil or body secretion). Often soap and water is used
Define the suffix “cidal”
Suffix means death; germicide - kills bacterial
Define the suffix “static”
It means that the micro organism is “frozen”/ halt in its present state; can no longer grow but is not killed (bacteriostatic)
What are the 3 major ways of sterilization in health care settings?
- Incineration
- Autoclave
- Ethylene Oxide
What objects/ equipments/ devices must be sterilized?
Objects/ equipment/ devices that comes into contact with sterile fluids or tissue or internal body
What is an effective way of terminal sterilization?
Incineration - material sterilized by incineration cannot be used again
How do autocalves work?
Autoclaves work by sterilizing objects/ equipment with steam under pressure and heat (sort of like a pressure cooker)
How long does it takes for an autoclave to sterilize?
15 minutes
What happens after the load gets sterilized in the autoclave?
The items are either removed immediately or is left to dry in the warm chamber
How do we check to see if the autoclave is sterile or not? How often is the sterility of an autoclave checked?
The sterility of an autoclave is checked using bacterial spores ; test results takes several of days; can also use a rapid autoreader . The tests are done daily/ weekly
How is ethylene oxide used as a sterilization method?
ETO is used as a gas sterilization method
What items can be sterilized with ethylene oxide?
Items that cannot withstand heat - like plastics
What is the down side of sterilizing with ethylene oxide (2 things)?
- Ethylene oxide sterilization method is slow and expensive
- Ethylene oxide is toxic to human tissue, so the items sterilized with ethylene oxide must be aerated before use
True or false, there is no one chemical that is the ideal disinfectant
True
Name 3 desirable properities of disinfectants
Broad spectrum, rapid action, non toxic, odorless, non destructive, residual action, user friendly, economical
What is Spaulding’s classification?
It is a classification system to determine the level of disinfectants required
In Spaulding’s Classification, there are 3 levels of disinfection. What are the 3 levels and define what they are
- Critical items - Items that come into contact with sterile tissue and must be sterile
- Semi - critical items - Items that come into contact with mucous membrane/ body surface; have to be free of pathogens but not sterile
- Non - critical items - Surfaces like counter tops, beds that come into contact with skin; should not have any bacteria on them
How are disinfectants classified?
Disinfectants are classified according to their level of germicidal action
