Sterilisation Techniques Overview

A process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

A sterilization method that utilizes heat to kill microorganisms by denaturing their proteins and disrupting their cell structures

A type of heat sterilization using steam under pressure, effective against all types of microorganisms.

A type of heat sterilization using dry heat, suitable for materials that can withstand high temperatures.

A sterilization method that uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of microorganisms, making them unable to reproduce.

A sterilization method using gases like ethylene oxide to kill microorganisms, suitable for heat-sensitive materials.

A sterilization method using filters with pores small enough to trap microorganisms, removing them from liquids or gases.

A set of procedures designed to prevent contamination of sterile materials and environments during preparation, handling, and administration of products.

Boiling water at 100°C for 10 minutes can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

A highly reliable sterilization method that uses steam under pressure to achieve temperatures above 100°C.

A large, specialized chamber that uses moist heat sterilization at high temperatures and pressures.

A type of heat sterilization that involves intermittent heating and cooling cycles over multiple days, typically used for liquids.

A heat treatment method that uses moderate temperatures to kill specific microorganisms, often used for food preservation.

Electromagnetic radiation used for sterilization, includes gamma rays, X-rays, and UV light.

Particulate radiation used for sterilization, includes alpha and beta particles, positrons, and neutrons.

A type of radiation sterilization that involves the use of gamma rays, X-rays, and UV light to damage the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing.

A type of radiation sterilization that involves the use of particulate radiation, such as alpha and beta particles, to directly damage microorganisms.

Alpha particles are emitted during radioactive decay; they are heavy, carry a positive charge, and travel slowly. They have low penetration power.

Beta particles are emitted during radioactive decay; they are negatively charged and have a mass similar to an electron. While they have stronger penetrating power than alpha particles, they can be stopped by thin aluminum.

Gamma radiation is emitted after alpha and beta particles are released during radioactive decay. It carries no mass or charge and travels at the speed of light. It is highly penetrative, causing minimal heating of the sterilized product, and does not induce radioactivity.

A technique that utilizes the penetration power of gamma radiation to sterilize medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

The resistance to radiation is determined by the genetic makeup of the organism.

The presence of oxygen increases the sensitivity of organisms to radiation due to the formation of reactive oxygen species.

Dehydration increases resistance to radiation by decreasing the formation of free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that damage cells.

Freezing increases radiation resistance by reducing the mobility of free radicals, thereby decreasing their ability to damage cells.

Certain organic molecules, like those containing sulfhydryl groups, can protect organisms from radiation damage.

The bactericidal effect of ultraviolet radiation is most potent at wavelengths between 220 and 280 nanometers, which can damage DNA.

UV radiation works by creating crosslinks between adjacent pyrimidine bases in DNA, disrupting its structure and function.

Ethylene oxide, a common gaseous sterilant, works by alkylating vital cellular molecules, like proteins and nucleic acids, disrupting their function.

Gaseous sterilization methods are often used for heat sensitive medical equipment, such as surgical instruments, because they can sterilize at lower temperatures.

Membrane filters with pore sizes of 0.2-0.22 µm are commonly used to remove bacteria and other microorganisms during filtration sterilization.

A type of sterilization that doesn't involve destroying the product but removes microbes from it, typically used with heat-sensitive products.

They are used to sterilize various materials, including liquids, gases, and air, and are chosen based on the specific application.

A process of ensuring a sterilization method effectively eliminates all microbes and is safe for use.

This process ensures the equipment consistently achieves the required sterility level.

Temperature-sensitive indicator that changes color when exposed to a specific temperature, used to verify proper sterilization conditions in autoclaves.

These indicators are used to verify the efficacy of sterilization processes by monitoring the survival of microorganisms.

This indicator includes a spore strip, a growth medium, and a color-changing chemical reagent, which indicates growth of the spore, indicating the failure of a sterilization process.