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Asepsis
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| disinfection | the process of destroying pathogens or rendering them inactive on a surface or instruments. DOES NOT destroy all microbial spores or certain viruses. |
| asepsis | state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms |
| medical asepsis | clean technique; used daily in every clinical setting. reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms and prohibit their growth |
| surgical asepsis | complete removal of all microorganisms and must be used during invasive procedures and wound care. |
| sanitization | cleaning process that reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level so that it is ready to undergo the sterilization or disinfection process. |
| ultrasonic sanitization | used to avoid damage from friction to remove debris; soundwaves loosen the debris so the object is free from excess material going into the disinfection or sterilization phase. |
| glutaraldehyde | a disinfectant used in the clinical setting by usually requires a long submersion time to be fully effective. |
| bleach solution | 1:10 solution mixed with water |
| low-level disinfection | hydrogen peroxide; kills most vegetative bacteria and some viruses and fungi. Exam tables and countertops |
| intermediate-level disinfection | isopropyl alcohol; kills vegetative bacteria and most viruses and fungi but does not kills spores. Stethoscopes, percussion hammers, blood pressure cuffs. |
| high-level disinfection | cidex OPA; kills all microorganisms except for a small number of bacterial spores. Instruments that do not penetrate soft tissues or bone but contact mucous membranes, such as endoscopes. |
| sterilization | destruction of all living organisms, including pathogens and their spores. Through dry heat, gas, chemicals, UV radiation, ionizing radiation, chemicals, or steam. |
| autoclave | instrument for sterilizing. 250-270*; 20 min for unwrapped and 30 min for wrapped. Items are generally considered sterile for 30 days if packaging stays intact and kept dry. |