PH1123 - sources of contamination

Question 1

what pharmaceutical preparations do (not) require an antimicrobial agent and why? (2)

Answer 1

• tablets; dont need antimicrobial agent as they are dry

- liquids; do need antimicrobial agent as they are not dry

Question 2

what methods are used to reduce microbial count from water samples (4)

Answer 2

• chemical treatment / chlorination; chlorine (Cl) or sodium hypochlorite (NaCl)
• UV irradiation; uses already ‘clear’ water and not for highly contaminated water
• membrane filtration; pass water through pores of different sizes but doesn’t work to remove viruses
• heating; boiling water as nothing will grow between 60 - 80 c

Question 3

what are some sources of contamination from operators? (2)

Answer 3

• contamination from skin; can be transient and resident micro-organisms
• contamination from respiratory tract; coughs and sneezes

Question 4

what are the 3 surfaces where contamination can occur? (3)

Answer 4

• building
• packaging
• equipment

Question 5

prevent contamination of surfaces - building (3)

Answer 5

• walls and ceilings; moulds a common flora (poorly ventilated building and painted walls) avoided by use of disinfectant, laminated plastics and ventilation (filtration)
• floors and drains; easily cleaned and should be avoided in areas where sensitive products are being manufactured
• doors, windows and fittings; prevention of dust and only permit light entry

Question 6

prevent contamination of surfaces - packing (4)

Answer 6

• contain the product (eg. solution, dressing)
• prevent the entry of micro-organisms (eg. rubber cap)
• prevent the degradation of the product during storage
• withstand the appropriate sterilization process (heat and gas sterilization)

Question 7

prevent contamination of surfaces - equipment (2)

Answer 7

• variety of equipment; pharmaceutical manufacture, surgical equipment
• reduction in microbial count; sterilization, disinfection and single use items

Question 8

what does HEPA stand for?

Answer 8

• high-efficiency particulate air

Question 9

what is a negative pressure room? (2)

Answer 9

• air pressure in the room is generally lower than that of the outside
• ensure no contaminants escape

Question 10

what is a positive pressure room? (2)

Answer 10

• air pressure in the room is generally higher than that of the outside
• ensure no contaminants enter