The Sterilization Process Flashcards
(45 cards)
Define asepsis
the absence of pathogenic microorganisms
Define sterility
the absence of virtually all microorganisms
What is biofilm?
the accumulation of bioburden
What is bioburden composed of?
bacteria and other biological elements
What is biofilm the result of?
tight adhesion of bioburden to the instrument’s surface
What does biofilm inhibit?
inhibits the ability of cleaning solutions and disinfectants to effectively decontaminate the instrument
What does biofilm prevent?
prevents successful sterilization
What do you want to discard before transport to sterilization department?
- sharps into sharps container
2. liquids per federal, state, and local regulations or transport them in a leak-proof container
What do you want to separate sharp instruments from before transport?
delicate and heavy intstruments
When applicable, what should you follow for instrument disassembly prior to transport to the decontamination area?
manufacturer’s IFU
What should you moisten instruments or do before transport?
Moisten with an enzymatic pre-treatment product or cover with a water-soaked towel.
What does a washer-disinfector/decontaminator combine?
combines mechanical, thermal, and chemical actions
What are cycles specific to with a washer-disinfector/decontaminator?
cycles are specific to the instruments being cleaned. They deliver the exact amount of chemical needed
What does an ultrasonic cleaner do?
Removes soil from hard-to-access areas of the instrument by cavitation
what is the use of high-frequency sound waves that form microscopic bubbles that become unstable and implode, creating small vacuums that remove debris from the instrument’s crevices and surfaces?
cavitation
What are the two types of mechanical cleaning equipment?
- washer-disinfector/decontaminator
2. ultrasonic cleaners
What is a critical component in the cleaning of equipment?
water temperature
what are used in decontamination sinks to ensure that the water is in the appropriate temp range, as determined by the cleaning solution manufacturer?
temperature indicators
What is cool water good for?
prevents blood coagulation on instruments and helps to remove gross soil from instrument crevices, joints, and lumens
Why is hot water bad?
can denature blood proteins which makes blood removal more difficult
What provides details on the amount of product needed and appropriate water temp.?
detergent manufacturer’s IFU
What does fully submerging the instrument in the water decrease?
decreases risk of chemical and contaminant aerosolization
What is a BI used to monitor?
the sterilizer’s efficiency and effectiveness
What does the BI test demonstrate?
whether the sterilization conditions were adequate to kill the non-pathogenic spore housed within the BI.
