Sterilization and Disinfectants Overview
37 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Sterilization is the process of killing all living forms of ______ including spores.

microbes

Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents applied to ______ objects to destroy microorganisms.

non-living

Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances applied to ______ tissue/skin to reduce infection risk.

living

Not all disinfectants are antiseptics because an antiseptic must not be ______ enough to damage living tissue.

<p>harsh</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemical sterilization is often used for devices sensitive to the high ______ of steam sterilization.

<p>heat</p> Signup and view all the answers

High-level disinfectants can eliminate a large number of spores after ______ exposure.

<p>prolonged</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemical vapor sterilization under pressure uses a mixture of chemicals, including alcohol, formaldehyde, ketone, acetone, and ______.

<p>water</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fumigation uses a mixture of potassium permanganate and formalin in a ratio of 2:3 (w/v) to produce a ______.

<p>fumigant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Physical sterilization methods utilize physical agents or processes to eliminate or ______ all forms of microorganisms.

<p>inactivate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Autoclaving, also known as moist heat sterilization, uses pressurized steam at a high temperature of ______°C for 15-20 minutes.

<p>121</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dry heat sterilization involves heating materials to high temperatures, typically around ______°C for 1-2 hours in a dry heat oven.

<p>160</p> Signup and view all the answers

Filtration removes microorganisms from liquids or air by passing them through a filter with pore sizes small enough to trap microbes, typically around ______ microns.

<p>0.2</p> Signup and view all the answers

Radiation sterilization, using gamma rays or electron beams, breaks down DNA in microorganisms, preventing their ______.

<p>replication</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation uses UV-C light with a wavelength around ______ nm to damage the DNA of microorganisms.

<p>254</p> Signup and view all the answers

Boiling water for 10-15 minutes can kill most bacteria and viruses, but it may not be effective against all ______.

<p>spores</p> Signup and view all the answers

Incineration destroys contaminated materials by burning them at very high ______ to eliminate the risk of infection.

<p>temperatures</p> Signup and view all the answers

Incineration is commonly used for ______ waste disposal, such as contaminated dressings, pathological waste, and sharps.

<p>medical</p> Signup and view all the answers

Incineration ______ all microorganisms by combustion, but is only suitable for items intended for disposal.

<p>eradicates</p> Signup and view all the answers

Diagnosing bacterial infections involves identifying and characterizing bacteria present in a patient ______ (e.g., blood, urine, sputum).

<p>sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gram Staining is a basic staining technique to classify bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on ______ structure.

<p>cell wall</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acid-Fast Staining is primarily used for detecting Mycobacterium species, which have unique ______ walls.

<p>cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

Samples are cultured on selective or differential media to promote bacterial ______.

<p>growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coagulase-positive indicates ______ aureus.

<p>Staphylococcus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detects bacterial DNA or RNA, enabling rapid identification of specific ______.

<p>pathogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

Automated ______ Analyzers are used to count blood cells.

<p>Hematology</p> Signup and view all the answers

A ______ smear is examined under a microscope to observe cell morphology.

<p>Blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

Low hemoglobin levels can indicate ______.

<p>anemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prothrombin Time (PT) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) assess ______ function.

<p>blood clotting</p> Signup and view all the answers

______ cytometry is used to analyze blood cell populations by tagging cells with fluorescent antibodies.

<p>Flow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bone marrow biopsies or aspirations provide information about blood cell ______.

<p>production</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clinical chemistry involves measuring chemical components in blood and other bodily ______.

<p>fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spectrophotometry measures the ______ of light by substances in blood.

<p>absorbance</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are techniques used to ______ and identify compounds in blood or urine.

<p>separate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Electrophoresis is a technique that separates proteins based on their ______ and size.

<p>charge</p> Signup and view all the answers

Automated analyzers are used to measure various ______ markers in blood.

<p>biochemical</p> Signup and view all the answers

First aid kits, eyewash stations, and emergency showers are essential for responding to ______ in a laboratory setting.

<p>injuries</p> Signup and view all the answers

Working with chemicals requires proper storage, labeling, and the use of ______ protective equipment (PPE).

<p>personal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Physical sterilization

Methods using physical agents to eliminate microorganisms from surfaces and materials.

Autoclaving

A sterilization method using pressurized steam at 121°C for 15–20 minutes.

Dry Heat Sterilization

Heating materials at 160–180°C for 1–2 hours, effective for metals and powders.

Filtration

Removes microorganisms from liquids or air through small pore filters (≥0.2 microns).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ionizing Radiation

Uses gamma rays or electron beams to sterilize by damaging microbial DNA.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Uses UV-C light to damage DNA of microorganisms, sterilizing air and surfaces.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Boiling

Heating water to 100°C for 10–15 minutes to kill most bacteria and viruses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Incineration

Destroys contaminated materials by burning them at high temperatures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gas Chromatography (GC)

A technique that separates and identifies compounds in gases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Technique separating compounds in liquid form, prevalent in diagnostics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electrophoresis

Separates proteins based on charge and size, used in protein analysis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Automated Analyzers

Machines that measure biochemical markers quickly in labs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biochemical Hazards

Chemical risks in laboratory settings needing strict safety measures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A test that provides information about red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Automated Hematology Analyzers

Machines that count blood cells and measure parameters like hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Blood Smear Microscopy

Manual examination of blood smears to observe cell morphology and diagnose conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hemoglobin Test

Measures the concentration of hemoglobin in blood, indicates anemia or polycythemia.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prothrombin Time (PT)

A blood test that assesses blood clotting function, important for bleeding disorders.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Flow Cytometry

A technique used for detailed analysis of blood cell populations using fluorescent antibodies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electrolyte Analysis

Measuring electrolytes like sodium and potassium in blood, indicating various health issues.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

A test using antibodies to detect specific proteins or hormones within blood samples.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Medical Waste Disposal

The process of properly discarding waste materials from medical facilities, including contaminated dressings and pathological waste.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gram Staining

A staining technique used to classify bacteria into Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on their cell wall structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acid-Fast Staining

A staining method primarily used to detect Mycobacterium species, like tuberculosis, which have unique cell walls.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Agar Plates

Petri dishes used to culture samples on selective or differential media for bacterial growth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Catalase Test

A biochemical test used to differentiate Staphylococcus species by detecting the presence of the catalase enzyme.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A molecular technique used to detect bacterial DNA or RNA, enabling rapid identification of pathogens.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Blood Analysis

The evaluation of blood components and characteristics to detect infections and health conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Broth Cultures

A method of culturing bacteria in liquid media to detect growth, typically indicated by turbidity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sterilization

Killing of all living forms of microbes, including spores.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Disinfectant

Antimicrobial agents applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Antiseptic

Antimicrobial substances applied to living tissue to reduce the risk of infection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chemical sterilization

Sterilization method for heat-sensitive devices using chemicals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

High-level disinfectants

Used for many spores and organisms after prolonged exposure; examples include H2O2.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intermediate-level disinfectants

Effective for few spores and vegetative bacteria; examples include 70% alcohol.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chemical vapor sterilization

Uses heated chemical mixture under pressure to form sterilizing gas.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fumigation

Produces a sterilizing gas using potassium permanganate and formalin mixture.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Sterilization, Disinfectants, and Antiseptics

  • Sterilization: Killing all living microbes, including spores
  • Disinfectants: Antimicrobial agents applied to non-living objects to reduce pathogenic microorganisms
  • Antiseptics: Antimicrobial substances applied to living tissue/skin to reduce infection risk; must not damage the tissue
  • Disinfectants are not always antiseptics because antiseptics must not harm living tissue

Sterilization Methods

  • Chemical Sterilization: Used for devices sensitive to high heat or irradiation (e.g., rubbers, plastics)
    • Divided into chemical liquid sterilization and chemical vapor sterilization
  • Physical Sterilization: Uses physical agents to eliminate microorganisms
    • Various physical methods: autoclaving, dry heat sterilization, filtration, radiation, and UV radiation

Chemical Liquid Sterilization

  • High-level disinfectants: Effective against a large number of spores after prolonged exposure (e.g., H2O2 3-6%)
  • Intermediate-level disinfectants: Effective against some spores (e.g., 70% ethyl alcohol)
  • Low-level disinfectants: Effective against mainly vegetative bacteria and some fungi (e.g., Providone Iodine 5 and 10%)

Chemical Vapor Sterilization

  • Chemical Vapor Under Pressure (Chemiclave): Uses a mixture of chemicals (alcohol, formaldehyde, ketone, acetone, and water) heated under pressure to form a sterilizing gas. Requires 20 minutes at 131°C and 20 lbs pressure

Fumigation

  • Fumigation: Uses potassium permanganate mixed with formalin in a 2:3 ratio (w/v) to produce fumigant

Physical Sterilization Methods

  • Autoclaving (Moist Heat Sterilization): Uses pressurized steam at 121°C (250°F) for 15-20 minutes. Effective for sterilizing media, lab instruments, and surgical tools
  • Dry Heat Sterilization: Heats materials to high temperatures (160-180°C or 320-356°F) for 1-2 hours. Suitable for metal instruments, glassware, and powders
  • Filtration: Removes microorganisms from liquids or air using filters with small pores (typically 0.2 microns)
  • Radiation (Ionizing Radiation): Uses gamma rays or electron beams to break down DNA in microorganisms. Effective for sterilizing medical equipment, disposable plastics, and heat-sensitive materials
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Uses UV-C light (wavelength 254 nm) to damage the DNA of microorganisms, preventing their replication. Commonly used for sterilizing air and surfaces

Boiling

  • Boiling water (100°C or 212°F) for 10-15 minutes can kill most bacteria and viruses, but may not be effective against all spores.

Incineration

  • Destroys contaminated materials by burning at high temperatures. Used for medical waste disposal (e.g., contaminated dressings, pathological waste, and sharps)

Diagnosis of Bacteria (Microscopy)

  • Gram Staining: Classifies bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on cell wall structure. Aids in initial identification
  • Acid-Fast Staining: Used for detecting Mycobacterium species (e.g., tuberculosis), which have unique cell walls

Microscopy (Other Methods)

  • Phase-Contrast and Dark-Field Microscopy: Enhances visualization of bacterial morphology and motility; useful for bacteria that are difficult to stain

Culture Methods

  • Agar Plates: Samples cultured on selective or differential media to promote growth. Identifies pathogens based on colony morphology and color
  • Broth Cultures: Bacteria cultured in liquid media to detect growth, especially useful for anaerobic bacteria.

Biochemical Testing

  • Catalase and Coagulase Tests: Differentiate types of Staphylococcus species
  • Oxidase and Urease Tests: Identify bacteria based on enzyme presence

Automated Systems

  • Automated systems (e.g., VITEK and BD Phoenix) automate biochemical testing to improve bacterial identification speed

Molecular Methods

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Detects bacterial DNA or RNA, enabling rapid identification, and effective for tough-to-culture pathogens.

Blood Analysis

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Automated analyzers count blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, platelets), measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other parameters
  • Blood Smear Microscopy: Manual examination of blood smears under a microscope to observe cell morphology and diagnose infections (e.g. malaria) or conditions (e.g., leukemia)
  • Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Tests: Measure hemoglobin concentration and RBC proportion, important for anemia diagnosis
  • Blood Coagulation Tests: (e.g., PT, PTT) Assess blood clotting function to diagnose bleeding disorders and monitor anticoagulant therapy

Platelet Function Tests

  • Evaluate platelet adhesion and aggregation; useful for detecting platelet disorders and bleeding risks

Flow Cytometry

  • Detailed analysis of blood cell populations by tagging cells with fluorescent antibodies; aids in diagnosing leukemias and lymphomas

Bone Marrow Analysis

  • Bone marrow biopsies or aspirations provide information about blood cell production; helps with diagnosing hematological cancers, anemias, and bone marrow disorders

Clinical Chemistry

  • Measures chemical components in blood and other bodily fluids to assess organ function, metabolic state, and identify diseases
  • Spectrophotometry: Measures light absorbance by blood components (e.g., glucose, cholesterol, proteins) based on color changes.
  • Enzymatic Reactions: Many tests (e.g., liver enzyme tests) use specific enzyme reactions that produce color changes to detect concentrations.

Other Clinical Chemistry Tests

  • Electrolyte Analysis: Measures electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride) to detect kidney disease, dehydration, heart problems
  • Immunoassays (e.g., ELISA): Use antibodies to detect specific proteins or hormones (e.g., insulin, TSH, troponin) to diagnose infections, hormone imbalances, or cardiac problems
  • Chromatography (e.g., GC and HPLC): Separates and identifies compounds in blood or urine. Used for drug testing, toxicology, and therapeutic drug level monitoring.
  • Electrophoresis: Separates proteins based on charge and size to detect abnormal protein levels.
  • Automated Analyzers: Modern labs use automated machinery to measure many biochemical markers.

Laboratory Safety

  • First Aid: Keep first-aid kits, eyewash stations, and emergency showers accessible. Train staff on injury handling.
  • Biochemical Hazards: Use proper storage, labeling, PPE for chemical handling, safety protocols. Dispose of waste safely in fume hoods.
  • Biological Hazards: Follow biosafety protocols for handling biological hazard materials, disinfect surfaces. Wear PPE and handle pathogens carefully, using biological safety cabinets where appropriate.
  • General Safety: Follow SOPs, conduct regular safety checks, and maintain equipment. Report hazards.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Description

Explore the crucial concepts of sterilization, disinfectants, and antiseptics in this informative quiz. Learn the differences between chemical and physical sterilization methods, and understand the application of antimicrobial agents in various contexts. Test your knowledge on how these methods impact infection control and patient safety.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser