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Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism by which ultrasonic waves contribute to sterilization?
What is the primary mechanism by which ultrasonic waves contribute to sterilization?
Fractional sterilization is effective in killing all spores, including those of thermophiles and anaerobes.
Fractional sterilization is effective in killing all spores, including those of thermophiles and anaerobes.
False (B)
Which of the following is NOT a gaseous chemical agent used for sterilization?
Which of the following is NOT a gaseous chemical agent used for sterilization?
What is the limitation of filtration as a method of sterilization?
What is the limitation of filtration as a method of sterilization?
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Liquid sterilization is more effective than gaseous sterilization.
Liquid sterilization is more effective than gaseous sterilization.
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In chemical sterilization, objects are exposed to gas in a closed, heated and ______ chamber.
In chemical sterilization, objects are exposed to gas in a closed, heated and ______ chamber.
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What is the primary goal of sterilization?
What is the primary goal of sterilization?
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Match the sterilization techniques with their primary advantage:
Match the sterilization techniques with their primary advantage:
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Name two common liquid chemical agents used for sterilization.
Name two common liquid chemical agents used for sterilization.
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Why is heat sterilization not suitable for all materials?
Why is heat sterilization not suitable for all materials?
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Sterilization using _____ is effective for heat- and moisture-sensitive materials.
Sterilization using _____ is effective for heat- and moisture-sensitive materials.
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Disinfection and sterilization have the exact same meaning and outcome.
Disinfection and sterilization have the exact same meaning and outcome.
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Match the sterilization technique with its description:
Match the sterilization technique with its description:
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What is the main principle behind how an autoclave works?
What is the main principle behind how an autoclave works?
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Radiation sterilization is ideal for heat-sensitive materials.
Radiation sterilization is ideal for heat-sensitive materials.
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Which sterilization method is most appropriate for plastic catheters?
Which sterilization method is most appropriate for plastic catheters?
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Moist heat sterilization is also known as _________ sterilization.
Moist heat sterilization is also known as _________ sterilization.
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What is the main difference between gaseous and liquid chemical sterilization?
What is the main difference between gaseous and liquid chemical sterilization?
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Which of the following is a method of physical sterilization?
Which of the following is a method of physical sterilization?
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Residual chemicals are a potential disadvantage of gas sterilization.
Residual chemicals are a potential disadvantage of gas sterilization.
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Match the sterilization method with its description:
Match the sterilization method with its description:
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What is one advantage of using liquid sterilization?
What is one advantage of using liquid sterilization?
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Which of these is NOT a type of physical sterilization?
Which of these is NOT a type of physical sterilization?
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What is the primary mechanism of microbial death in an autoclave?
What is the primary mechanism of microbial death in an autoclave?
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An autoclave typically operates at a temperature of 121-134℃ and a pressure of _______.
An autoclave typically operates at a temperature of 121-134℃ and a pressure of _______.
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Dry heat sterilization is suitable for objects sensitive to moisture.
Dry heat sterilization is suitable for objects sensitive to moisture.
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Name one type of radiation used in sterilization.
Name one type of radiation used in sterilization.
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Which of the following is NOT a step in using an autoclave?
Which of the following is NOT a step in using an autoclave?
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In radiation sterilization, ultraviolet light is absorbed by the microbial cell's _________.
In radiation sterilization, ultraviolet light is absorbed by the microbial cell's _________.
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What is the frequency range of sound waves used in sound wave sterilization?
What is the frequency range of sound waves used in sound wave sterilization?
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Microfiltration uses a membrane with large pores to remove microbes.
Microfiltration uses a membrane with large pores to remove microbes.
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Match the sterilization method with its mechanism:
Match the sterilization method with its mechanism:
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Study Notes
Sterilization Techniques
- Sterilization is the removal of all microorganisms from a surface or object.
- This differs from disinfection, where only the reduction of microorganisms occurs.
- By removing all microorganisms, sterilization creates a sterile or aseptic environment.
Types of Sterilization
- Sterilization can be categorized into physical and chemical methods.
Physical Methods
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Heat Sterilization: Involves killing microorganisms using heat.
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Moist Heat Sterilization (Autoclaving): Uses steam under pressure. Water is heated to 121-134°C (at 15 psi pressure), causing proteins in microorganisms to coagulate and be killed. This is one of the most effective sterilization methods for many materials.
- Steps in using Autoclave include; Preparation, Loading, Setting parameters, Starting the cycle, Cooling and Venting, Unloading and Post sterilization Care.
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Dry Heat Sterilization: Is used for objects sensitive to moisture (e.g., glass equipment, metal instruments). Dry heat is applied to denature and damage proteins in microorganisms, leading to their death. Dry Heat methods include incineration, hot air ovens and flaming techniques.
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Filtration: A physical method that uses a filter with small pores to remove microorganisms from liquids or gases. Common in microbiology laboratories. Methods used include sieving, adsorption and trapping.
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Radiation Sterilization: Includes exposing surfaces or objects to different types of radiation (ultraviolet and ionizing; ionizing includes x-rays and gamma rays). These methods damage the DNA, leading to microbial death.
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Non-Ionizing Radiation: UV radiation is absorbed by nucleic acids in microorganisms, interfering with their replication and causing cell death.
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Ionizing Radiation: Damage to DNA results from gamma and X-rays causing reactive oxygen species to oxidize cell components.
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Sound Wave Vibration: Sonix sound waves with frequencies of 20-40 kHz are applied to a fluid. This creates cavitation (compressive and tensile forces forming cavities) that suddenly collapse, creating microscopic voids that remove the microorganisms from the fluid or container.
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Fractional Sterilization: Used for products that cannot withstand other sterilization techniques. This method involves exposing the product to a high temperature (e.g., boiling) for a period multiple times over several days, allowing time for microbial spores to germinate to be killed by subsequent heat cycles, resulting in a higher chance of killing all microbial species.
Chemical Methods
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Gaseous Sterilization: The object is subjected to sterilant gases within a sealed chamber. The agents commonly used in this process include ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
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Liquid Sterilization: The sterilization process involves immersing materials in a liquid sterilant. Chemical agents used for this method include hydrogen peroxide, glutaraldehyde and hypochlorites solution. Liquid immersion is less effective than gaseous sterilants.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sterilization Methods
- Each sterilization method has its own sets of advantages and disadvantages, the choice of sterilization technique depends on the properties of the materials to be sterilized.
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Description
Explore the different sterilization techniques and methods used in microbiology. Understand the significance of physical and chemical sterilization, with a focus on methods like moist heat and dry heat sterilization. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge about creating sterile environments and the principles behind various sterilization processes.