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Questions and Answers
What is the main difference between sterilization and disinfection?
Which method is described as the most important method of sterilization in medical practice?
Why are disinfectants not used for skin antisepsis?
What do terms with the suffix 'cide' or 'cidal' indicate?
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What are antiseptics and disinfectants used for?
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Which of the following best describes sterilization?
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What distinguishes antiseptics from disinfectants?
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What is the main difference between sterilization and disinfection?
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What do terms with the suffix 'cide' or 'cidal' indicate?
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What are chemical sterilants?
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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.
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Description
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.