Sterilization and Infection Control Terminology

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Questions and Answers

What is meant by the term 'Bioburden' in the context of sterilization?

The viable microorganisms present on a product before and after sterilization (correct)

The process of killing all microorganisms

A type of sterilization indicator

The expiry date of sterile items

Which of the following statements about sterilization and bioburden is correct?

Bioburden is rendered inert during the sterilization process

Bioburden is not relevant in the context of surgical instruments

Bioburden can remain on instruments after sterilization if not properly cleaned (correct)

All bioburden is killed during sterilization without exception

Which statement accurately describes a Biological Indicator in sterilization?

It indicates the packaging integrity of sterile items.

It monitors for moisture in sterilization containers.

It is an instrument used to sterilize surgical tools.

It consists of viable spores that test the effectiveness of the sterilization process. (correct)

What happens when an item has a passed expiry date?

It is rendered unsterile and should not be used Signup and view all the answers

What is the desired outcome of surgical sterilization protocols?

Complete freedom from all infections for the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common spore-forming bacterium mentioned in sterilization protocols?

E. coli Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed prior to using a sterile item?

The integrity of the package and the presence of any indicators Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Infection Control (I/C) in the sterilization process?

To monitor and enforce sterilization and disinfection methods Signup and view all the answers

What is required for critical items to prevent infections?

They must be sterile. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items is classified as semi-critical?

Thermometers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sterilization is the method of choice dependent on?

The material the item is made from Signup and view all the answers

During the decontamination phase, what is the first action taken with surgical instruments?

They are disassembled and rinsed. Signup and view all the answers

What level of disinfection is required for non-critical items?

Low-level disinfection Signup and view all the answers

What environment is suitable for the use of bronchoscopes and cystoscopes?

Semi-critical areas at times Signup and view all the answers

What happens to instruments after they are washed in the ultrasonic washer?

They are dried and reassembled. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes chemical sterilization methods?

They encompass various techniques including EO and Gas Plasma. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for allowing instrument packs to dry for 15-20 minutes after sterilization?

To prevent contamination from condensation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are crucial factors in the effectiveness of steam sterilization?

Heat/temperature, moisture, and time Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bowie Dick Test help to monitor in steam sterilizers?

Sterilization efficacy Signup and view all the answers

Why is flash sterilization generally discouraged in surgical settings?

It can lead to inconsistent sterilization results Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of allowing steam to condense inside sterilized packs?

It can cause contamination of the sterile packs Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sterilizer is specifically indicated for handling heat-sensitive items?

None of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for wrapping instruments before sterilization?

To allow sterilant to move in and out during the process Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately before using a flash sterilizer?

Check the sterilization indicator Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of muslin as a wrapping material?

It has no memory but can be linty Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary condition for the successful destruction of microorganisms during steam sterilization?

High temperature must be reached rapidly Signup and view all the answers

Which type of wrapping is not considered labor-heavy?

Plastic/paper peel backs Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum weight allowed per pack to ensure steam penetration during sterilization?

12 lbs (4.3 kg) Signup and view all the answers

What must occur if an instrument has parts such as screws and stylets?

They must be disassembled Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of event-related shelf life in sterilization?

It is based on how packaging is handled post-sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What does sequential double-wrapping enhance during sterilization?

Increased microbial protection Signup and view all the answers

Why should rubber be separated from instruments during sterilization?

To ensure steam can reach all surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Bowie Dick Leak Test?

To ensure proper sterilization of steam sterilisers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step required before placing an instrument into the sterilizer?

Loading the instrument into an open container Signup and view all the answers

What type of sterilization method is suitable for delicate and heat-sensitive materials?

Ethylene oxide gas sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to items sterilized using ethylene oxide before they are used?

They must be aerated after sterilization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Gas Plasma Sterilization is accurate?

It employs Hydrogen Peroxide to create a plasma ‘cloud’ Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of items sterilized with peracetic acid?

They must be used within 1-2 hours after sterilization Signup and view all the answers

Which method uses gamma rays for sterilization?

Irradiation Signup and view all the answers

What is required when transferring items from the autoclave to the OR table?

Wearing oven mitts for protection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Terminology and Definitions

Sterile (Aseptic): Free from all microorganisms, including spores.
Bioburden: Viable microorganisms present on instruments, assessed before and after sterilization. Effective cleaning is essential to eliminate bioburden.
Spore: Dormant state of an organism that is tough to kill; sterilization methods must effectively eradicate spores.
Common spore-forming bacteria: Include Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tetani, and Bacillus anthracis.
Shelf Life: Duration items remain sterile; must inspect packaging integrity before use.
Biological Indicator: A monitor consisting of resistant spores to test sterilization effectiveness.

Classification of Items

Critical Items: Come into contact with sterile tissues or vascular systems. Must be sterile to prevent infection.
Semi-Critical Items: Contact unbroken mucous membranes and require high-level disinfection.
Non-Critical Items: Contact intact skin and require low-level disinfection.

Instrument Care

Instruments should remain gross debris-free during procedures and wiped with sterile water.
Decontamination Phase: Involves washing instruments post-surgery to remove bioburden.

Sterilization Methods

Steam Sterilization (Autoclave): Most common and effective; utilizes steam under pressure.
Chemical Sterilization: Preferred for heat-sensitive materials, includes methods like EO and Gas Plasma.
Radiation: Uses gamma rays for disposable products sterilization.

Sterilization Process

Decontamination: Instruments disassembled, cleaned, and packed for sterilization.
Loading Sterilizer: Instruments positioned to ensure steam penetration.
Sterilization Phases: Include packing, heating, destroying, cooling, and testing.
Immediate Use Steam Sterilizing: Emergency sterilization, requires strict protocols.

Types of Sterilizers

Steam Sterilizers: Include pre-vacuum and gravity displacement types; tested daily.
Chemical Sterilizers: Utilized for heat-sensitive items, careful aeration required post-sterilization.
Liquid Chemosterilizers: Such as peracetic acid, used for specific instruments like endoscopes.

Packaging and Storage

Wrapping Types: Muslin, paper, plastic/paper peel backs, synthetic nonwoven materials, and reusable rigid containers.
Double-Wrapping: Recommended for better microbial protection.
Shelf Life: Event-related based on package integrity post-sterilization; max weight per pack ensures effective sterilization.

Quality Control

Daily testing with biological indicators is standard to verify sterilizer performance.
Proper drying and cooling procedures prevent condensation, which could compromise sterility.

Infection Control

Sterilization practices monitored by Infection Control departments; staff must adhere to hospital policies.
Key focus on achieving “Freedom from infection” in surgical procedures.

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Description

This quiz covers essential terminology related to sterilization and infection control, including definitions of sterile and bioburden, as well as classifications of critical, semi-critical, and non-critical items. Test your knowledge on key concepts vital for maintaining safety in medical settings.