Agent selected to destroy microorganisms depends on
intended use of article
Three levels of decontamination
Sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization
Disinfectant:
an agent that kills disease-producing microorganisms
Generally applied to inanimate objects
Spore:
- A hard, thick-walled capsule
- Represents the resting and protective stage of bacteria
- More resistant to Heat and disinfectant
Sterilization:
the process of destroying all forms of microbial life including spores
Sterile:
Free from all microorganisms and spores
Purpose:
ensure that employees are informed of the hazards of chemicals in the workplace
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Provides more detailed information
- The chemical
- Hazards of the chemical
- And the Measures to take to prevent injury and illness
- Must be readily accessible to all employees
Sanitization
remove organic material from an article
Guidelines for Sanitizing Instruments
- Utility gloves worn over disposable gloves protects from:
- Bloodborne pathogens and Other Potentially Infectious Material (disposable gloves)
- Irritating effects of hazardous chemical (utility gloves)
Sanitizing
•Use a low-sudsing agent, detergent with a neutral pH
Use proper cleaning devices
•Stiff nylon brush: to clean surface of instrument
High-Level Disinfection
- Destroys all microorganisms with the exception of bacterial spores
- Used for semicritical items
Example: flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope: screening tool for colon polyps and colon and rectal cancer.
Autoclave
the most common method used in medical office to sterilize items
Autoclave usually operated at
Temperature of 250oF (121oC)
If indicator does not show expected results:
Item must be resterilized
Autoclave tape
Only indicates article has been in autoclave and a high temperature has been attained
Sterilization strips
- indicate that the content inside of the pouch has been sterilized
- Must be placed in center of pack
Biologic Indicators
Best means to determine effectiveness of sterilization
Filling the Water Reservoir
Use distilled water
Loading the Autoclave
•Leave space between packs when arranging them to allow adequate penetration of steam
Timing the Load
•Length of time varies according to item being sterilized
Handling and Storing Packs
- Store packs in clean dry areas
- Most recent sterilized articles stored in back
- Store in an area free from dust and insects
Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilization
- Used in manufacturing industry for disposable sterile items:
- Syringes
- Sutures
- Catheters
- Surgical packs
