IAHCSMM CRCST 8th Edition - Chapter 9 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Antiseptics are used on _. Disinfectants are used on ____.

living tissue, inanimate objects

Alcohols require wet contact of at least _____ minutes to achieve a reasonable level of disinfection.

Alcohol can be used to clean patient equipment such as stethoscopes and ear specula.

True

Alcohol is tuberculocidal as well as sporicidal.

False Signup and view all the answers

/_ alcohol is not effective against hydrophilic viruses.

ethyl, isopropyl Signup and view all the answers

Phenolics are level to _level disinfectants containing phenol.

intermediate, low Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bactericidal' refer to?

Relating to the destruction of bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is sterilization?

The process by which all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi, are completely destroyed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of disinfection?

The destruction of nearly all pathogenic microorganisms on an inanimate (non-living) surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disinfectant?

A chemical that kills most pathogenic organisms, but does not kill all spores. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Spaulding Classification System?

A system developed by Dr. E.H. Spaulding that divides medical devices into categories based on the risk of infection involved with their use. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'sterile/sterilized' mean?

Completely devoid of all living microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is high-level disinfection?

The destruction of all vegetative microorganisms, mycobacterium, small or nonlipid viruses, medium or lipid viruses, fungal spores, and some bacterial spores. Signup and view all the answers

What is low-level disinfection?

The destruction of vegetative forms of bacteria, some fungi, and lipid viruses (but not bacterial spores). Signup and view all the answers

What is intermediate-level disinfection?

The destruction of viruses, mycobacteria, fungi, and vegetative bacteria (but not bacterial spores). Signup and view all the answers

What are organic materials?

Compounds containing oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen; derived from living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is alkylation?

A chemical reaction where hydrogen is replaced with an alkyl group. Signup and view all the answers

What is minimum effective concentration (MEC)?

The percentage concentration of the active ingredient in a disinfectant that is the minimum concentration to meet label claims for activity against specific microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What does thermal disinfection do?

Uses heat to reduce the number of microorganisms (excluding spores) on a medical device. Signup and view all the answers

How long must alcohol remain in wet contact with an item for effective disinfection?

5 - 10 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What two types of bactericidal processes exist?

Sterilization and disinfection. Signup and view all the answers

Which organizations use the Spaulding Classification System?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Signup and view all the answers

Critical items come into contact with the bloodstream and must be __________ before use.

sterilized. Signup and view all the answers

High-level disinfection destroys all microbial organisms, but not necessarily __________.

microbial spores. Signup and view all the answers

Non-critical items come into direct contact with a patient's __________.

unbroken skin. Signup and view all the answers

Non-critical items require either level or __ level disinfections.

intermediate, low. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is classified as a high-level disinfectant?

Glutaraldehyde Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions and Key Terms

Bactericidal: Pertains to the destruction of bacteria.
Sterilization: Process ensuring complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi.
Disinfection: Destruction of nearly all pathogenic microorganisms on non-living surfaces.
Disinfectant: Chemical that eliminates most pathogenic organisms without killing spores.
Antiseptic: Solution that inhibits bacterial growth on living tissues.
Organic Materials: Compounds from living organisms that can interfere with disinfectants.

Disinfection Types

High-Level Disinfection: Kills all vegetative microorganisms and some bacterial spores; essential for semi-critical items.
Intermediate-Level Disinfection: Destroys mycobacteria, fungi, and vegetative bacteria but not spores.
Low-Level Disinfection: Targets only vegetative bacteria, certain fungi, and lipid viruses.

Spaulding Classification System

Critical Items: Require sterilization; directly enter sterile areas (e.g., surgical instruments, needles).
Semi-Critical Items: Require high-level disinfection; contact mucous membranes (e.g., endoscopes).
Non-Critical Items: Require intermediate or low-level disinfection; contact intact skin (e.g., thermometers, stethoscopes).

Chemical Disinfectants

Glutaraldehyde: High-level disinfectant for semi-critical devices; requires activation before use and monitoring with test strips.
Chlorine: Intermediate-level disinfectant; not recommended for metal instruments due to corrosive properties.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Low-level disinfectants used on non-critical surfaces; incompatible with soaps.
Alcohol (Ethyl/Isopropyl): Effective disinfectant but must be in wet contact for at least 5 minutes; evaporates quickly.
Phenolics: Intermediate to low-level disinfectants; should not be used on stainless steel for prolonged periods.
Iodophors: Buffered iodine used as disinfectants; can stain and unsuitable for surgical instruments.

Chemical Reactions and Concepts

Alkylation: Chemical reaction where hydrogen is replaced by an alkyl group, affecting a cell's metabolism.
Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC): Lowest active ingredient concentration of a disinfectant meeting label claims.

Practical Application and Safety

Thermal Disinfection: Uses heat to reduce microorganisms, excluding spores.
Wet Contact Time: Duration required for a disinfectant to effectively kill pathogens on surfaces.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use F-Nitrile or butyl gloves and face/eye protection when handling glutaraldehyde.

Regulatory Standards

CDC and AAMI: Organizations highlighting the use of the Spaulding Classification System in infection control guidelines.

Important Considerations

Testing Concentration Levels: High-level disinfectants must be tested for MEC each time used.
Presence of Organic Matter: Can reduce germicidal action of disinfectants.
Equipment and Procedures: Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AER) simplify the disinfection process and reduce exposure to chemicals.

Miscellaneous

Thermal Pasteurization: Disinfection achieved through water temperatures between 150°F to 170°F for at least 30 minutes.
Common Disinfectants: Includes alcohols, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds; each has distinctive uses and effectiveness based on the surface type and level of disinfection required.

Clinical Practice Implications

Safe Handling of Instruments: Certain instruments require specific disinfection or sterilization methods based on their classification.
Inconsistent Results with Alcohol: Not effective against hydrophilic viruses; therefore, choosing the right disinfectant is critical for effective cleaning.

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Description

Explore key terms and definitions from Chapter 9 of the IAHCSMM CRCST 8th Edition. This quiz covers essential concepts such as sterilization, disinfection, and bactericidal processes. Perfect for students and professionals in the field of sterile processing.