7 - Word Flashcards - Surgical Asepsis and Sterility: Best Practices and Techniques

Bioburden

Amount of gross organic debris or the number of microorganisms on an object at any given time.

Autoclave

Device to accomplish steam or gas sterilization.

Biological Indicator (BI)

A method for testing the sterilization capability of a sterilizer; contains microorganisms that are killed when exposed to a sterilization process; only method of guaranteeing the sterility of an item(s).

Endoscopes

A general term used to describe the various types of flexible or rigid scopes used to view the body’s internal structures.

Bowie-Dick Test

Specifically designed for use with a prevacuum steam sterilizer to test for air entrapment.

Event-Related Sterility

Sterility determined by how a sterile package is handled rather than time elapsed; the package is considered sterile until opened, or until the integrity of the packaging material is compromised.

Contaminated

Soiled with gross debris or by the presence of microbes.

Chemical Indicator/Chemical Integrator

Internal or external monitor that changes color when exposed to the sterilization process; only indicates that the sterilization process has occurred; it does not guarantee the sterility of the item.

Cavitation

Mechanical process used by ultrasonic cleaners during which air pockets implode to dislodge debris and soil from the crevices and serrations of surgical instruments and equipment.

Julian Date

Calendar days that are sequentially numbered through the year; often used when maintaining sterilization records (i.e., February 1 would be the 32nd day of the Julian calendar).

Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS)

A process of quickly sterilizing unwrapped items (such as a surgical instrument that has been dropped on the floor and is needed right away) using prevacuum or gravity steam sterilizers.

Immersion

Placing an item in a container so it is completely covered by a liquid, such as immersing a surgical instrument in glutaraldehyde.

Sterile Field

Area of sterility maintained by the surgical team during a procedure.

Intermediate-Level Disinfection

Level of disinfection in which most microorganisms are killed except spores.

Sterile Technique

Methods used to prevent contamination of the sterile field and prevent the patient from acquiring a postoperative SSI.

Permeability

The condition of being permeable; capable of allowing the passage of fluids or substances.

Integrity

Complete, with no breaks or tears.

Sterilization

(1) Procedure to render an individual incapable of reproduction; (2) process by which all microorganisms, including spores, are destroyed.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

A machine used to remove minute organic particles and soil from the areas of instrumentation hardest to reach by manual or other mechanical methods of cleaning; the washer utilizes the process of cavitation for cleaning instruments.