Sterilization and Disinfection Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an antiseptic?

It can be applied to living tissue.

It can destroy all living forms of microbes, including spores. (correct)

It can reduce the possibility of infection.

It must not be so harsh that it damages living tissue.

What is the main difference between a disinfectant and an antiseptic?

Disinfectants kill all microbes, while antiseptics only kill some.

Disinfectants are used to prevent infection, while antiseptics are used to treat infection.

Disinfectants are applied to inanimate objects, while antiseptics are applied to living tissue. (correct)

Disinfectants are always more effective than antiseptics.

Which of these types disinfectants is required to be used for instruments that need to be sterilized to kill all microbes, including spores?

Low level disinfectants

Intermediate level disinfectants

High level disinfectants (correct)

All of the above can be used in different situations.

What is the main advantage of using chemical sterilization methods over physical methods like heat sterilization?

Chemical sterilization is less damaging to delicate instruments and materials. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a chemical used in chemical vapor sterilization?

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct ratio of potassium permanganate to formalin for creating a fumigant?

2:3 (w/v) (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an intermediate level disinfectant?

70% ethyl alcohol (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sterilization method requires a temperature of 131°C and a pressure of 20 lbs for 20 minutes?

Chemical vapor sterilization under pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which method of sterilization utilizes high temperatures and moisture to eliminate microorganisms, including spores?

Autoclaving (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sterilization method is primarily used to sterilize air?

Ultraviolet Radiation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main mechanism by which dry heat sterilization effectively eliminates microorganisms?

Dehydration and cell disruption (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sterilization method is often considered a basic disinfection method rather than true sterilization?

Boiling (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive materials like vaccines or enzyme solutions?

Filtration (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which method, besides incineration, involves the complete destruction of contaminated materials?

Radiation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sterilization method can penetrate deeply and is most effective for even heat-sensitive materials?

Radiation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is not a physical sterilization method?

Chemical Disinfection (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory technique is most useful for identifying and quantifying specific drugs in a patient's urine sample?

Gas Chromatography (GC) (A), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of automated analyzers in a clinical laboratory?

Analyzing multiple biochemical markers simultaneously for rapid diagnosis (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main safety concern associated with working with chemicals in a laboratory?

Accidental exposure to chemicals through spills or inhalation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using biological safety cabinets when handling pathogens?

Preventing accidental exposure to biological hazards (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a crucial aspect of maintaining laboratory safety?

Developing new and innovative laboratory techniques (D) Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used to evaluate the morphology of blood cells and diagnose conditions like malaria and leukemia?

Blood Smear Microscopy (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which test is used to assess blood clotting function and is essential for diagnosing bleeding disorders?

Prothrombin Time (PT) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of analysis is used to measure the concentration of glucose, cholesterol, and proteins in blood?

Spectrophotometry (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of flow cytometry in blood analysis?

Detailed analysis of blood cell populations using fluorescent antibodies (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is used to diagnose hematologic cancers, anemias, and bone marrow disorders?

Bone Marrow Analysis (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a clinical chemistry test?

Platelet Function Tests (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which test is used to detect specific proteins or hormones in blood, often utilized in diagnosing infections and hormone imbalances?

Immunoassays (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of measuring electrolytes in blood?

To indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or heart issues. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using selective or differential media in culturing bacteria?

To encourage the growth of specific bacteria types while suppressing others. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is specifically used for the detection of Mycobacterium species?

Acid-Fast Staining (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using broth cultures for growing bacteria?

Broth cultures are more effective in detecting the growth of anaerobic bacteria. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species are identified using which biochemical test?

Coagulase Test (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which molecular method is used to detect bacterial DNA or RNA, enabling rapid identification of specific pathogens?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of performing blood analysis?

Determining the presence of specific bacteria in the blood. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using a Gram Stain in bacterial diagnosis?

Differentiate bacteria based on cell wall structure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are automated systems like VITEK and BD Phoenix used in bacterial diagnosis?

To perform biochemical testing for faster bacterial identification. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sterilization, Disinfectants, and Antiseptics

Sterilization: Killing all forms of 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. Not all disinfectants are antiseptics; antiseptics must not harm living tissue.

Sterilization Methods

Divided into chemical and physical methods
- Chemical Sterilization: Typically used for heat-sensitive devices or materials susceptible to damage from irradiation (e.g., rubber, plastics).
  - Subdivided into chemical liquid and chemical vapor sterilization methods

Chemical Liquid Sterilization

Classifications of disinfectants: high-level, intermediate-level, and low-level, based on their efficacy against different types of microbes (e.g., vegetative bacteria, spores).
High-level disinfectants: Effective against a large number of microbes including spores following prolonged exposure (e.g., Hydrogen peroxide (3-6%))
Intermediate-level disinfectants: Effective against few numbers of spores and microbes (e.g., 70% ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol)
Low-level disinfectants: Primarily effective against vegetative bacteria and some fungi (e.g., Providone-iodine 5% and 10%)

Chemical Vapor Sterilization

Chemical Vapor Under Pressure (Chemiclave): Sterilization process using a mixture of chemicals (e.g., alcohol, formaldehyde, ketone) heated under pressure to form a sterilizing gas. Requires specific time and temperature (e.g., 20 minutes at 131°C and 20 lbs pressure).
Fumigation: Sterilizing using potassium permanganate mixed with formalin in a specific ratio (w/v 2:3) to produce a fumigant.

Physical Sterilization Methods

Utilizes physical agents or processes to eliminate or inactivate microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, spores).
Includes autoclaving, dry heat sterilization, filtration, radiation, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Autoclaving

Uses pressurized steam at high temperatures (e.g., 121°C or 250°F) for a defined period (e.g., 15-20 minutes) to sterilize media, instruments, surgical tools, and biohazardous waste. Effective due to combined heat and moisture effects.

Dry Heat Sterilization

Involves heating materials to high temperatures (160-180°C or 320-356°F) for a period (e.g., 1-2 hours) in a dry oven. Suitable for sterilizing metal instruments, glassware, and powders. Works by oxidizing microbial cells.

Filtration

Removes microorganisms from liquids or air using filters with small pores. Useful for heat-sensitive liquids (e.g., vaccines, enzyme solutions).

Radiation

Uses gamma rays or electron beams to break down DNA of microorganisms, sterilizing materials. Effective even for heat-sensitive materials.

UV Radiation

Uses UV-C light (at specific wavelength) to damage the DNA of microorganisms, preventing replication. Commonly utilized for surface sterilization.

Boiling

Boiling water (100°C or 212°F) for a period (10-15 minutes) can kill many bacteria and viruses but may not be effective against all spores. Useful for certain household items and in emergencies.

Incineration

Destroys contaminated materials through high-temperature burning. Suitable for disposable medical waste like contaminated dressings or sharps.

Laboratory Safety and Accident Prevention

Includes general safety precautions, first aid measures, handling of chemical and biological hazards, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the characteristics and methods of sterilization and disinfection. This quiz covers various types of chemical and physical sterilization methods, their applications, and differences. Whether you're studying for a class or just want to enhance your understanding, this quiz is a great resource!