Microbiology: Disinfectants, Antiseptics, and Preservatives

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of using disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives?

To destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms (correct)

To increase the microbial load

To enhance the infectious dose

To promote the growth of microorganisms

What is the outcome of zero survival in terms of microorganisms?

A slight increase in microbial growth

A complete elimination of microorganisms (correct)

No effect on microorganisms

A significant reduction in microbial load

What is the primary difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Sterilization is a more intense process than disinfection (correct)

Sterilization is a type of disinfection

Sterilization is used for non-critical items, while disinfection is used for critical items

Sterilization is used for medical equipment, while disinfection is used for surfaces

What is the purpose of controlling microorganisms in terms of infection?

To reduce the microbial load and prevent infection Signup and view all the answers

What do disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives have in common?

They are all used to destroy or inhibit microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of limiting microorganisms?

A decrease in the risk of infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between microbial load and infection?

A decrease in microbial load decreases the risk of infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of using disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives in terms of microorganisms?

To achieve zero survival Signup and view all the answers

What type of microorganisms are not completely destroyed by intermediate level disinfection?

Some viruses and fungi Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microorganisms is typically destroyed by intermediate level disinfection?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of intermediate level disinfection in terms of sporicidal activity?

Limited activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of intermediate level disinfection?

To destroy all vegetative bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the microorganisms that are not affected by intermediate level disinfection?

They are highly resistant to disinfection Signup and view all the answers

What type of microorganisms can low level disinfection destroy?

Most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT destroyed by low level disinfection?

Spores and some resistant microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What can low level disinfection NOT do?

Destroy spores Signup and view all the answers

What type of microorganisms are likely to be resistant to low level disinfection?

Spores and some resistant microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall effect of low level disinfection on microorganisms?

Destroys most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses Signup and view all the answers

In which type of products should preservatives kill any microbial contaminants introduced accidentally during use?

Sterile products such as eye-drops and multi-dose injections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of preservatives in sterile products?

To kill any microbial contaminants introduced accidentally during use Signup and view all the answers

Why are preservatives necessary in multi-dose injections?

To kill any microbial contaminants introduced accidentally during use Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not using preservatives in sterile products?

The product may become contaminated with microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using preservatives in eye-drops?

Reduced risk of microbial contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common disinfectant used in households?

Bleach Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between antiseptics and disinfectants?

Antiseptics are used on living tissues, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a preservative used in food?

Salt Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using preservatives in cosmetics?

To extend shelf life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties is desirable in an effective disinfectant?

Biodegradability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disinfectants, Antiseptics, and Preservatives

Disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives are chemicals that can destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Destruction of microorganisms implies a zero survival rate, meaning the end of microbial life.
Control of microorganisms can be achieved through sterilization, disinfection, or preservation.

Disinfection Levels

Intermediate level disinfection: destroys all vegetative bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but may not include some viruses and fungi, and has limited or no sporicidal activity.
Low level disinfection: destroys most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses, but does not include spores and more resistant microorganisms.

Preservatives in Sterile Products

In sterile products, such as eye drops and multi-dose injections, preservatives should kill any microbial contaminants introduced accidentally during use.

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Description

Learn about the different types of chemicals used to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives.