Chapter 07 Flashcards: Surgical Asepsis and Sterility: Best Practices and Techniques

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions regarding sterilization processes, disinfection levels, and sterile techniques.

autoclave

Device to accomplish steam or gas sterilization.

bioburden

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

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).

Bowie-Dick test

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

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.

chemical indicator/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.

contaminated

Soiled with gross debris or by the presence of microbes.

endoscopes

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

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.

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.

integrity

Complete, with no breaks or tears.

intermediate-level disinfection

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

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).

permeability

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

sterile field

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

sterile technique

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

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.

chemical indicator

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.