Microbiology Basics in Hospital Setting

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum size of an object that can be seen with the naked eye?

40 microns

90 microns (correct)

10 microns

1 micron

Why is it necessary to use microscopes to view microorganisms?

They are only visible under a certain temperature

They are only visible in certain lighting conditions

They are too small to be seen with the naked eye (correct)

They are only visible during certain phases of their life cycle

What is the purpose of culturing microorganisms?

To grow them into a detectable size (correct)

To view them under a microscope

To study their behavior under different conditions

To destroy them

Why do disinfection and sterilization come after cleaning?

Because dirt and microbes may resist removal by lodging in any crevices or surface imperfections Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of microscopic organisms?

Microbiology Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for microorganisms?

Germs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of understanding the chain of infection?

To understand how microorganisms are transmitted Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the agents that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathy?

Prions Signup and view all the answers

What does IFU stand for in the context of microbiology?

Instructions for Use Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microbe is best studied?

Pathogenic microbe Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a microbe with a high rate of mutation?

Influenza virus Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a microbial resistant bacteria?

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Signup and view all the answers

How often do bacteria double in number?

Every 20-30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of virus has a lipid envelope?

Hepatitis B Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural form of growth for most microbes?

Biofilm Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of protozoa?

Large complex one-celled parasite Signup and view all the answers

What type of virus is more susceptible to infection days later?

Non-enveloped virus Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of fungal growth?

Grow in a filamentous root-like structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of prions that enables them to cause disease?

They can fold into abnormal shapes Signup and view all the answers

Why are prions difficult to remove from reusable medical devices?

They are very small in size and adhere strongly to surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated ratio of microbial cells to human cells in the average human body?

1.3:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated rate of skin cell shedding per hour per square centimeter?

1300 cells/cm^2/hour Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wearing a plastic bib or apron during decontamination procedures?

To protect against splashes of blood or body fluids Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended practice for handling gloves during environmental cleaning activities?

Wash your hands before and after using gloves Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of prion-like agents?

They are very small molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated age of microbes on earth?

3.5 billion years Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have a traceability system for reusable medical devices?

To prevent the use of contaminated devices on other patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wearing a gown with long-cuffed sleeves during decontamination procedures?

To provide extra protection against splashes of blood or body fluids Signup and view all the answers

What makes bacteria difficult to remove from surfaces during cleaning?

They are small and can lodge in uneven surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

Why are there many different methods available for identifying bacteria?

Because all microbes have been studied for the longest time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which viruses infect cells?

They convert host cells into factories that produce copies of themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Why are bloodborne viruses a frequent risk to healthcare staff?

Because they are easily transmitted through blood contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used to detect and identify viruses in the laboratory?

Tissue culture methods. Signup and view all the answers

Why are viruses not killed by disinfection or heat?

Because they are not alive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cytopathic effect of viruses on cells in culture?

The formation of plaques or areas of destruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between bacteria and viruses in terms of their response to disinfection and heat?

Bacteria are susceptible to disinfection, while viruses are resistant. Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing once you have started work with gloves?

Touching your mask, eyes, or face with your gloves Signup and view all the answers

Why should you remove used gloves before touching anything?

To prevent contamination of surfaces and pens through contact Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with dedicated shoes or clogs when they are damaged?

Discard them in the waste container Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wearing a scrub uniform in the IAP or sterile storage zones?

To protect the reusable medical devices and their environment Signup and view all the answers

How often should you change your scrub uniform?

Daily or whenever they become visibly soiled or wet Signup and view all the answers

What should you wear on your head in the IAP or sterile storage zones?

A clean, single-use, low-lint surgical hat or hood Signup and view all the answers

What type of footwear should you wear in the IAP or sterile storage zones?

Dedicated non-slip enclosed footwear Signup and view all the answers

What type of jewelry is allowed to be worn in CSSD?

A plain wedding band and stud earrings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, also named as microbes or germs.
Microorganisms are not visible to the naked eye, but can be viewed using light and electron microscopes, or by culturing them until they grow into a detectable colony.

Characteristics of Microorganisms

Bacteria:
- Small microorganisms that come in many shapes and types.
- Multiply by cell division, and some types can produce protective spores.
- Harmful bacteria can produce toxins that damage host tissue.
Viruses:
- Small, non-living infectious objects that contain genetic information.
- Hijack living cells in the body, converting them into factories that make hundreds or thousands of copies of themselves.
Fungi:
- Large to medium-sized organisms that grow in filamentous root-like structures called hyphae.
- Some live on our skin and in our gut naturally, but can cause disease.
Protozoa:
- Large, complex, one-celled parasites that can spend part of their lifecycle in our bodies.
- Can cause diseases such as malaria or dysentery.
Yeast:
- Single-celled organisms with a nucleus, and a type of fungi.
- Larger than bacteria, multiply by budding, and some live in our body naturally.

Infection Prevention and Control

The chain of infection:
- Involves the transmission of microorganisms from one person to another.
- Can be broken by preventing contact between the source of infection and the susceptible host.
Personal Hygiene:
- Important for preventing the spread of infection.
- Includes washing hands, wearing PPE, and following proper cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Decontamination Zone PPE Requirements:
- Gowns with long-cuffed sleeves to protect from splashes of blood or body fluids.
- Masks and eye protection to reduce the risk of microbes being transferred to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Gloves to protect hands from contamination during environmental cleaning activity and handling contaminated reusable medical devices and waste.
- Shoes or shoe covers to protect regular shoes from becoming wet and contaminated during cleaning procedures.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Importance of cleaning and disinfection in preventing the spread of infection:
- Removing dirt and microorganisms from surfaces and equipment.
- Preventing the transmission of microorganisms from one person to another.
Methods of cleaning and disinfection:
- Physical removal of dirt and microorganisms using soap and water.
- Chemical disinfection using disinfectants to kill microorganisms.
- Sterilization using heat or radiation to kill all microorganisms.

Control and Destruction of Micro-organisms

Prevention of microbial growth:
- Control of environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, and humidity.
- Use of disinfectants and sterilization methods.
Destruction of micro-organisms:
- Physical methods, such as heat and radiation.
- Chemical methods, such as disinfectants and antiseptics.

Microbiological Hazards and Risks

Microbiological hazards:
- Pathogenic microorganisms that can cause disease in humans.
- Toxins and bioactive compounds produced by microorganisms.
Risks associated with microbiological hazards:
- Infection and disease transmission.
- Contamination of food, water, and environment.
- Economic and social impacts of microbiological hazards.

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Description

Test your knowledge of microbiology fundamentals, including identification and classification of microorganisms, non-bacterial organisms, and the chain of infection. Essential for understanding hospital settings.