Microbiology

Microbiology

Study of microscopic organisms (microbes)

Importance of Microbiology

Understanding pathogens on medical devices is essential for safe reprocessing

Types of Microbiology

Microbial physiology, genetics, medical, veterinary, environmental, evolutionary, industrial, aeromicrobiology, food, pharmaceutical

Bubonic Plague

Historical infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis

Smallpox

Historical infectious disease caused by Variola virus

HIV/AIDS

Historical infectious disease caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Societal Effects of Infectious Diseases

Population decline, economic disruption, advances in medicine, cultural influence, global health initiatives, pathogen evolution

Applied Microbiology

The application of understanding the commercial and medicinal benefits of microbes.

Medical Applications of Microbiology

Disease diagnosis, vaccine development, antibiotic production

Environmental Applications of Microbiology

Bioremediation, waste management, agriculture

Industrial Applications of Microbiology

Food production, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals

Examples of Applied Microbiology

Cheese fermentation, wine production, nasal flu vaccine

Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria withstand effects of antibiotics

Causes of Antibiotic Resistance

Overuse in humans and animals, misuse for viral infections

Examples of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

MRSA, VRE, CRE

Solutions to Antibiotic Resistance

New antibiotics, vaccines, genetic engineering

Function of Vaccines

Stimulate antibody production to fight pathogens

Analogy for Vaccines

Pathogens as enemies; vaccines build an army of immune cells

Goals of Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)

Infection control, patient safety, cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance

Terminology in MDRD

SPD, CSSD, CSD, PIDAC, CSA

MDR Technician Roles

Decontamination, inspection & assembly, sterilization, packaging & storage, distribution, compliance & safety, quality assurance

Required PPE in MDRD

Gown, gloves, hair covering, mask, shoe covers

Hygiene Rules in MDRD

Hand hygiene, no artificial nails or lashes, no jewelry, no food or beverages in work areas, clean uniform on a clean body

Classification of Microorganisms

6 main groups: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Prions, Protozoa, Rickettsia/Chlamydia.

Characteristics of Cell Life

Includes movement, responsiveness, growth, circulation, reproduction, respiration, assimilation, digestion, excretion, and absorption.

Maintenance of Cell Life

Cells need water, food, oxygen, heat, and pressure to survive.

Bacterial Cell Structure

Protein: Not water

Types of Bacteria

Aerobic: Need oxygen. Anaerobic: Cannot tolerate oxygen. Facultative Anaerobes: Can survive with or without oxygen.

Endospores

Formed by bacteria like Bacillus and Clostridium; highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and drying; used to test sterilization effectiveness (e.g., autoclaves).

Bacterial Identification

Shapes: Cocci (spherical), Bacilli (rod), Vibrio (comma), Spirilla (spiral). Arrangements: Diplococci, Streptococci, Staphylococci.

Arrangements

Diplococci, Streptococci, Staphylococci.

Why it matters

Helps identify contamination sources.

Staining

Used to visualize bacteria and endospores.

Gram stain

Differentiates between Gram

MDRT importance

Confirms presence of hard

Bacterial Growth

Rapid reproduction (every 10

Nutrition

Autotrophic (self

Factors affecting growth

Temperature, pH, oxygen, moisture, nutrients.

Water Quality in Reprocessing

Impacts cleaning effectiveness, equipment lifespan, patient safety.

Standards

Follow ANSI/AAMI ST108 for water purity.

pH

Ideal range for tap water (6

Osmosis

Water moves from low to high ion concentration.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Purifies water by removing ions and contaminants.

MDRT importance (RO)

Ensures water used in reprocessing (final rinse) is mineral/contaminate free and safe.

Prokaryotic Cells

No nucleus, simple structure, reproduce by binary fission.

Eukaryotic Cells

Have nucleus and organelles, reproduce by mitosis.

Why it matters (cell types)

Different cell types respond differently to sterilization.

Effective sterilization and disinfection

Ensures effective sterilization and disinfection.

Prevent infections and cross

contamination

Support compliance with safety standards

Support compliance with safety standards.

Enhance quality assurance

Enhance quality assurance in medical device reprocessing.

Viruses

Viruses are non

Two main types of viruses

Enveloped viruses (e.g., HIV, influenza): easier to kill; Non

Antibiotics and viruses

Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses; vaccination is the best prevention.

Fungi

Includes yeasts (unicellular) and molds (multicellular).

Candida auris

A major concern due to its resistance to antifungal treatments.

Prions

Misfolded proteins that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., CJD).

Biofilms

Communities of microbes encased in a protective matrix.

Biofilm formation

Prompt cleaning and drying of instruments is critical to prevent biofilm formation.

Methods of Microbial Control

Physical methods: heat (autoclaving), cold (freezing), filtration, radiation; Chemical methods: antiseptics (safe for skin) and disinfectants (for surfaces).

Log reduction

Measures the effectiveness of sterilization (e.g., 6

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions.

Healthcare

Associated Infections (HAIs)

Modes of Transmission

Ways in which infections spread, including contact, droplet, airborne, vehicle, and vector.

Routine Practices

Minimum infection prevention and control (IPC) measures used with all patients and devices, regardless of infection status.

Hand Hygiene (HH)

Most effective method to prevent healthcare

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Includes gowns, gloves, masks, eye/face protection, and hair/beard covers, must be task

Risk Assessment

Evaluate exposure risk before each task, considering hazards related to people, equipment, materials, and environment.

Environmental Controls

Clean and disinfect equipment, surfaces, and workspace between uses; maintain HVAC systems.

Infectious Waste

Includes blood, tissue, and contaminated disposables, requiring biohazard containers and PPE when handling.

Physical Hazards

Include slips, sharps, and equipment misuse.

Chemical Hazards

Include sterilants and disinfectants; must follow WHMIS and MSDS guidelines.

Chain of Transmission

Infection spreads through six links: Infectious Agent, Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, and Susceptible Host.

Breaking any link

Stops transmission and prevents infection.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism.

Infectious dose

The quantity of a pathogen required to cause infection.

Sanitation

The maintenance of hygienic conditions to prevent disease.

Exposure

Contact with a pathogen that may lead to infection.

Climate

The long

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.

Chemical

resistant gloves

Impervious gowns

Gowns that are resistant to penetration by fluids.

N95 respirators

Masks used for airborne precautions, not typical in MDRD.

Regular waste removal

Cleaning schedules for workstations, sinks, and storage areas.

Administrative Controls

Policies and procedures for MDRD, staff education and competency assessments, immunization programs, and respiratory etiquette.

Additional Precautions

Used alongside Routine Practices for specific organisms.

Contact Precautions

For MRSA and C. difficile, requires gown and gloves.

Droplet Precautions

For Influenza, requires surgical mask.

Airborne Precautions

For TB and measles, requires N95 respirator and negative pressure rooms.

Collaboration with IPC Teams

Joint development of protocols, policies, and committees, training, audits, outbreak response, equipment evaluation, and incident reporting.

Personal Hygiene & Attire in MDRD

Clean, hospital

Medical Terminology Overview

A universal language for healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication and reduce misinterpretation.

Importance for MDRD Technicians

Enhances understanding of surgical instruments and procedures, builds confidence and credibility in clinical settings.

Evolution of Medical Terminology

Greek accounts for 75% of terms; Latin accounts for 25% of terms; English is the modern medical language.

Word Elements

Prefix indicates location, time, number, or status; root indicates body part or system; suffix indicates procedure, condition, or disease.

Anatomical Position

Standing upright, face forward, arms at sides, palms forward.

Medial

Toward midline.

Lateral

Away from midline.

Proximal

Closer to point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from point of attachment.