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Questions and Answers
Which method of sterilization is used for infectious hospital waste?
Which method of sterilization is used for infectious hospital waste?
What is the temperature and duration for dry heat sterilization using a hot air oven?
What is the temperature and duration for dry heat sterilization using a hot air oven?
Which method is used for sterilization of pre-packed heat-sensitive single use medical items?
Which method is used for sterilization of pre-packed heat-sensitive single use medical items?
What type of disinfection method is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
What type of disinfection method is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
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What is the purpose of using biological indicators (spore test) to monitor autoclaves?
What is the purpose of using biological indicators (spore test) to monitor autoclaves?
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Study Notes
Sterilization and Disinfection
- Sterilization: A process eliminating all microorganisms, including spores.
- Disinfection: A process that destroys most/all pathogens but does not eliminate spores.
Importance of Sterilization and Disinfection
- Essential for sterilizing critical items like culture media and surgical instruments.
- Disinfection example: stethoscopes treated with 70% alcohol and endoscopes sanitized with chemical solutions.
Cleaning Process
- Cleaning involves removing foreign materials from medical devices; essential as a preliminary step to disinfection and sterilization.
- Typically performed using water and soap, detergents, or enzymatic products.
Methods of Cleaning
- Manual Cleaning: Involves manual scrubbing of instruments.
- Washer: Mechanical devices that clean instruments automatically.
- Ultrasonic Cleaner: Uses high-frequency sound waves to clean items.
- Mechanical Cleaning: Includes washer-disinfectors and ultrasonic cleaners that facilitate thorough cleaning processes.
Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD)
- Responsible for managing the sterilization and disinfection of medical instruments and devices in a healthcare setting.
Methods of Sterilization
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Heat Sterilization:
- Steam Sterilization: Utilizes an autoclave for moist heat.
- Dry Heat Sterilization: Involves methods such as incineration and use of hot air ovens.
- Low-Temperature Sterilization: Plasma sterilization is a method used when heat-sensitive equipment needs sterilizing.
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Other Methods:
- Use of ionizing radiation for effective sterilization of specific medical items.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the processes of sterilization and disinfection, including their definitions and practical applications. Explore the differences between these two crucial methods in microbiology and medical settings.
