10 Questions
What is the main difference between sterilization and disinfection?
Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, while disinfection eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores
Which method is described as the most important method of sterilization in medical practice?
Heat
Why are disinfectants not used for skin antisepsis?
Because they can injure skin and other tissues
What do terms with the suffix 'cide' or 'cidal' indicate?
They indicate killing action, commonly used in germicide, sporicidal, etc.
What are antiseptics and disinfectants used for?
Antiseptics are germicides applied to living tissue and skin; disinfectants are antimicrobials applied only to inanimate objects
Which of the following best describes sterilization?
Eliminating all forms of microbial life by physical or chemical methods
What distinguishes antiseptics from disinfectants?
Antiseptics are applied to living tissue and skin, while disinfectants are applied only to inanimate objects
What is the main difference between sterilization and disinfection?
Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, while disinfection eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms except spores
What do terms with the suffix 'cide' or 'cidal' indicate?
Killing action against microorganisms
What are chemical sterilants?
Disinfectants that kill spores with prolonged exposure times
Study Notes
Sterilization and Disinfection
- Sterilization eliminates all microorganisms, including spores, whereas disinfection eliminates most microorganisms, but not necessarily all spores.
- Autoclaving is described as the most important method of sterilization in medical practice.
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
- Antiseptics are used for skin antisepsis, while disinfectants are not, due to their toxic effects on skin.
- Antiseptics and disinfectants are used to control the growth of microorganisms on skin and surfaces.
Terminology
- Terms with the suffix 'cide' or 'cidal' (e.g., bactericide, virucidal) indicate the ability to kill microorganisms.
- Chemical sterilants are chemicals used to sterilize surfaces and equipment.
Key Concepts
- Sterilization is a process that completely eliminates all microorganisms, including spores, from a surface or equipment.
- The main difference between sterilization and disinfection lies in their scope of microorganism elimination, with sterilization being more comprehensive.
- Antiseptics are distinguished from disinfectants by their safe use on skin, whereas disinfectants are typically used on surfaces.
Learn about the definitions of sterilization, disinfectant, and antiseptic, as well as the different physical and chemical methods of sterilization. Understand the application of heat in medical practice and the use of hot air ovens and autoclaves for dry and moist heat sterilization.
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