Sterilization Methods and Techniques Quiz

Physical and Chemical

121°C (250°F) and 15 psi

Advantage: Can sterilize materials that cannot withstand moisture. Disadvantage: Requires longer sterilization time.

<p>0.2 microns</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gamma rays or electron beams</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Damaging the DNA of microorganisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Disinfecting household items or baby bottles</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Contaminated materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three levels of disinfectant classification are high-level, intermediate-level, and low-level. High-level disinfectants target a large number of spores, vegetative bacteria, tubercle bacilli, fungi, and viruses. Intermediate-level disinfectants target a few spores, vegetative bacteria, tubercle bacilli, fungi, and enveloped viruses (HBV, HIV). Low-level disinfectants target mainly vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and a narrower range of viruses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sterilization kills all living forms of microbes, including spores, while disinfection reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms, but does not necessarily eliminate all microbes, especially spores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Antiseptics are applied to living tissue, and must be safe enough to not damage the tissue. Disinfectants are applied to non-living surfaces and can be more harsh, as tissue damage is not a concern.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One example of a chemical liquid sterilization method is the use of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) at a concentration of 3-6%. This solution is used for high-level disinfection and can target a wide range of microorganisms, including spores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Chemiclave method utilizes a mixture of chemicals, including alcohol, formaldehyde, ketone, acetone, and water, which are heated under pressure to create a sterilizing gas. This gas effectively eliminates microorganisms when exposed for a specific duration and temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemiclave sterilization requires a minimum of 20 minutes at 131°C and 20 lbs of pressure for successful inactivation of microorganisms. Instruments can be either unwrapped or bagged during this process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fumigation involves mixing potassium permanganate and formalin in a 2:3 ratio (w/v). This mixture generates a fumigant gas that effectively destroys microorganisms within a closed environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemical sterilization methods offer a safe alternative for sterilizing devices that would be damaged by high temperatures or radiation. This is particularly important for materials like rubbers and plastics that can become brittle or degrade under these conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Automated hematology analyzers count blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and measure parameters like hemoglobin and hematocrit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood smear microscopy allows for the observation of blood cell morphology, which can reveal abnormal cell shapes, parasitic infections, and other characteristic features associated with these conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gram staining is a technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall structure. It involves staining bacteria with crystal violet, followed by iodine treatment. Gram-positive bacteria retain the stain due to their thick peptidoglycan layer, appearing purple, while Gram-negative bacteria with thinner peptidoglycan layers lose the stain after decolorization and are counterstained with safranin, appearing pink.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>PT and PTT tests assess the time it takes for blood to clot, providing insights into blood clotting function, which is essential for diagnosing bleeding disorders and monitoring anticoagulant therapy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Advantages of culture methods include isolation and identification of specific bacterial species, allowing for susceptibility testing to determine appropriate antibiotics. Disadvantages include potential contamination, slow growth times for some bacteria, and inability to culture fastidious or slow-growing organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The choice between agar plates and broth cultures depends on the specific bacterial species being investigated, particularly their growth requirements. Agar plates are preferred for isolating and observing colony morphology, while broth cultures are ideal for growing anaerobic bacteria and those that don't grow well on solid media.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flow cytometry analyzes individual blood cells by tagging them with fluorescent antibodies, enabling detailed assessment of cell populations. It is particularly useful for diagnosing leukemias, lymphomas, and monitoring immune function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bone marrow analysis provides insights into blood cell production, helping to diagnose hematologic cancers, anemias, and bone marrow disorders by examining the morphology and quantity of various blood cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>PCR is a powerful molecular technique that detects bacterial DNA or RNA, enabling rapid and highly sensitive identification of specific pathogens, even those difficult to culture or grow in the laboratory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Spectrophotometry measures the absorbance of light by substances in blood, such as glucose, cholesterol, and proteins. Color changes that correlate with concentration levels are analyzed to quantify the substance. An example is a glucose test, which measures the amount of glucose in blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Blood analysis, by evaluating blood components and characteristics, can detect infections, blood disorders, and other health conditions. For example, elevated white blood cell counts can indicate infection, while abnormalities in red blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels suggest blood disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Automated systems like VITEK and BD Phoenix streamline and accelerate biochemical testing for faster bacterial identification, minimizing human error and providing rapid results for clinical decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electrolyte analysis measures levels of crucial electrolytes in blood, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Imbalances can indicate kidney disease, dehydration, and heart issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>DNA sequencing of bacterial genomes provides highly specific identification, enabling accurate classification of bacterial species and strains. Additionally, it allows for identification of genetic markers associated with antibiotic resistance, enabling targeted antibiotic therapy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ELISA uses antibodies to detect specific proteins or hormones in blood. By binding to the target molecule, the assay can identify the presence and quantify the amount of various substances, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring of conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Incineration is a commonly used method for disposing of medical waste, including contaminated dressings, pathological waste, and sharps. It involves burning the waste at high temperatures, completely eradicating microorganisms by combustion. However, incineration is only suitable for items intended for disposal, and the process should adhere to environmental regulations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>GC and HPLC separate compounds in blood or urine based on their volatility or polarity, respectively. This allows for identification and quantification of drugs or toxins, facilitating drug testing, toxicology investigations, and monitoring therapeutic drug levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Automated analyzers enable high-throughput and rapid diagnostics, reducing manual labor, improving accuracy, and increasing efficiency in measuring biochemical markers like glucose, lipids, liver enzymes, and kidney function markers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Proper storage, labeling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are crucial. Handling chemicals should be performed in fume hoods to minimize exposure, and waste disposal should be carried out safely, following regulations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Biosafety protocols are critical for minimizing the risk of exposure to pathogens. They include the use of biological safety cabinets for handling infectious materials, proper disinfection techniques, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment to prevent contamination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SOPs provide a standardized framework for performing procedures safely and consistently. Regular safety checks ensure the integrity of equipment and the effectiveness of safety protocols, minimizing the risk of accidents and promoting a safe work environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers