Microbial Control: From Lab to Patient Care

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to microbial control, practices for infection prevention, physical and chemical methods of control, and precautionary measures in medical settings.

What is sterilization?

The complete removal or destruction of viable microorganisms including endospores.

What does disinfection achieve?

The elimination of most or pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects.

What is the purpose of antisepsis?

The application of a chemical agent (antiseptic) to living tissue to prevent infection.

Define sanitization.

A process that reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level on typically an object.

What is medical asepsis?

Practices performed to reduce the number, growth, and spread of microorganisms.

What is the primary goal of medical asepsis?

To prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection.

Give an example of medical asepsis practices.

Hand hygiene, using disposable gloves, proper waste disposal.

What defines surgical asepsis?

Practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms.

What is the primary goal of surgical asepsis?

To protect patients from surgical infection.

What must be true for items in a sterile field?

All items used must be sterile and sterile objects become contaminated if touched by unsterile objects.

What is the most effective physical method of microbial control?

Moist heat (autoclave) which uses steam under pressure to sterilize.

What physical method slows microbial growth but doesn't kill them?

Refrigeration/freezing.

What type of radiation is used for sterilization of medical supplies?

Ionizing radiation (gamma rays) that damages DNA.

What method removes microbes by passing through a filter?

Filtration, specifically using HEPA filters for liquid or air.

Name a common disinfectant.

Lysol or bleach.

What is an important consideration when using chemical agents?

Concentration and time of exposure, nature of material being heated, and presence of organic matter.

What is a sterile field?

A designated area to hold sterile supplies during a procedure.

Which area of a sterile field is considered contaminated?

The edge of the sterile field (the 1-inch border).

What is standard precaution?

Minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status.

What does PPE stand for in infection control?

Personal protective equipment.

What type of PPE is required for contact precautions?

Gloves and gowns.

What is the required PPE for droplet precautions?

Surgical mask.

What is the purpose of airborne precautions?

To prevent the spread of infectious agents transmitted via small respiratory particles that remain suspended in air for extended periods.

What PPE is required for airborne precautions?

N95 respirator.