Bacterial Identification Methods Quiz

Microorganisms and Decontamination

• Microorganisms are ubiquitous and can be found in every environment, including on and in the human body
• Microbes are the most numerous and diverse life forms known, existing for over 3.5 billion years on Earth
• In a clinical environment, all microbes are treated as potentially harmful and efforts are made to eliminate them

Types of Microorganisms

• Protozoa: large, complex, one-celled parasites that can cause diseases like malaria and dysentery
  • Can form cysts, which are resistant to disinfectants but can be killed by heat
• Fungi: large to medium-sized microorganisms that grow filamentous root-like structures called hyphae
  • Can live on skin and in gut naturally, but can cause diseases called mycoses when they invade tissues
  • Can be killed by heat and are susceptible to disinfectants
• Bacteria: small microorganisms that lack a nucleus and multiply by cell division
  • Can produce toxins that damage host tissues and produce chemicals that protect themselves against the immune system
  • Can form biofilms, which are difficult to remove and can resist disinfectants
• Viruses: small, non-living infectious objects that contain genetic information and can hijack living cells
  • Can be difficult to remove from uneven surfaces and are susceptible to disruption of their chemical structure
• Prions: very small proteinaceous units that can cause Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) when folded in an abnormal way
  • Abnormally folded prions can convert normally folded prions into abnormal ones, causing disease
  • Are difficult to remove from reusable medical devices and are resistant to heat and disinfectants

Characteristics of Microorganisms

• Microorganisms have a large range of sizes, from 0.01 microns (prions) to 20 microns (bacteria)
• Microorganisms can grow rapidly, with some bacteria able to double in number every 20-30 minutes
• Microorganisms can form biofilms, which are complex communities of microorganisms that are difficult to remove and can resist disinfectants

Decontamination and Cleaning

• Decontamination involves cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization to remove or kill microorganisms
• Cleaning is a critical step in decontamination, as it removes dirt, soil, and microorganisms from surfaces
• Disinfection and sterilization processes are designed to kill microorganisms, but may not remove all microorganisms or biofilms
• Biofilms can be particularly difficult to remove and may require specialized cleaning and disinfection protocols

Importance of Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Humans shed skin cells and microorganisms constantly, contaminating their surroundings

• Strict hygiene procedures and use of PPE can help minimize the spread of microorganisms in clinical environments

• Containment of microorganisms is critical in clean or sterile zones, such as in CSSDs, to prevent recontamination of reusable medical devices.### Clean Rooms and Sterile Areas

• Extremely high levels of contamination prevention and personal protective equipment (PPE) are used in clean rooms and sterile areas of pharmaceutical and space industries.

• Despite these measures, some microbes can still survive and contaminate areas.

CSSD Work Zones and PPE

• There are three work zones in the CSSD: Contamination zone, Inspection, Assembly and Packaging zone, and Sterile Storage zone.
• Each zone has its own entry and exit points, and staff must change PPE and undergo hygiene procedures when moving between zones.
• In the Decontamination zone, staff are exposed to contaminated reusable medical devices and materials.

Decontamination Zone PPE Requirements

• Wear fluid-resistant gowns with long-cuffed sleeves that can be tucked inside gloves.
• Change gowns when they become visibly soiled or wet and discard after use.
• Wear plastic bib or apron over the gown for extra protection from splashes.
• Wear fluid-repellent masks with visor eye shields to reduce the risk of microbial transmission.
• Wear gloves for environmental cleaning, handling contaminated reusable medical devices, and waste.
• Wash hands before and after using gloves.
• Remove gloves without contaminating hands or spreading contamination.

Other Workwear Requirements

• In the IAP or Sterile Storage zones, wear workwear that protects reusable medical devices and their environment.
• Wear freshly laundered or disposable scrub uniforms that minimize bacterial shedding.
• Wear clean, single-use, low-lint surgical hats or hoods that fully cover and confine hair.
• Wear dedicated non-slip enclosed footwear that can protect from injury or contact with accidentally dropped sharp objects.