Disinfection, Decontamination, & Sterilization Flashcards

Able to kill bacteria

Chemical agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria

The number of contaminating microbes on an object

A quality control mechanism used in the process of sterilization

It consists of a closed system containing harmless, spore-forming bacteria that can be rapidly cultured after the sterilization process

A test that identifies air leaks and ineffective air removal in the steam sterilization process

A process in which air bubbles are imploded (burst inward), releasing particles of soil or tissue debris

A process that uses chemical agents to achieve sterilization

A process that removes organic or inorganic soil or debris by using friction, detergent, and water

Destruction of microorganisms by heat or chemical means

Does not produce sterility, as not all microbial forms are destroyed in the process

This is the amount of time goods are held in specific conditions during disinfection or the sterilization process

Exposure time varies with the size of the load, type of materials being sterilized, and type of agent used

Also called the hold time

A process that reduces the bioburden to an absolute minimum

Rapid sterilization of instruments to be used immediately

Process was previously called flash sterilization

A chemical used in the sterilization of critical items

Infectious protein particle that is a unique pathogenic substance containing no nucleic acid

Resistant to most forms of disinfection and sterilization normally used in the health care setting

Able to kill spores

A daily process in which exposed surfaces of the OR are cleaned and disinfected

Cleaning, disinfection, and preparation of the OR between patients

Equipment that washes and decontaminates instruments so they can be safely handled by personnel

The absence of visible soil on a surface