Back to AI Flashcard MakerHealthcare /Chapter 21: Instrument Processing and Sterilization
Chapter 21: Instrument Processing and Sterilization
This deck covers key concepts and procedures related to instrument processing and sterilization in a healthcare setting. It includes classifications, methods, and monitoring techniques essential for ensuring effective sterilization.
classification of patient care items
critical, semi-critical, non-critical
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
classification of patient care items
critical, semi-critical, non-critical
critical instruments
touch bone or penetrate soft tissue, risk of disease transmission is high
semi-critical instruments
touch mucous membranes or non-intact skin
ex. mouth mirror, spatulas
non-critical instruments
contact intact skin only, least risk of transmission
instrument processing area is also known as
sterilization area
proceed in a single loop/linear flow from
dirty, “clean”, sterilized
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
classification of patient care items | critical, semi-critical, non-critical |
critical instruments | touch bone or penetrate soft tissue, risk of disease transmission is high |
semi-critical instruments | touch mucous membranes or non-intact skin
ex. mouth mirror, spatulas |
non-critical instruments | contact intact skin only, least risk of transmission |
instrument processing area is also known as | sterilization area |
proceed in a single loop/linear flow from | dirty, “clean”, sterilized |
there are seven steps for instrument processing which are | transport, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage, delivery, quality |
we transport instruments to processing area using | appropriate ppe, rigid leak proof container, minimize risk of exposure |
us of a hands free process such as ____ or ____ is recommended | ultrasonic cleaner, instrument washer |
an ultrasonic cleaner is used only to | loosen and remove debris from instruments |
an ultrasonic cleaner produces | sound waves, cavitation |
cavitation is | formation of bubbles in liquid |
how do you test an ultrasonic cleaners performance | foil test |
what is a foil test | aluminum foil submerged in fresh solution |
the foil test is successful if | the foil is evenly marked with tiny pebbling effect |
manual cleaning is the | least desirable method for pre cleaning |
instruments must be dried before | packaging |
each instrument pack must have an | external class1 process indicator and an internal chemical indicator 4 or 5 |
each package of instruments must be labelled with | date, sterilization load number, name |
5 acceptable sterilization techniques | steam (autoclave), chemiclave, dry heat, ethylene oxide vapour & gas plasma, and chemical-liquid sterilants |
autoclave operates at | 121 degrees Celsius |
we should store sterilized instruments in what condition | clean & dry |
when bacteria from the air or contaminated surfaces surfaces are drawn inward through wet packaging | wicking |
mechanical monitoring | measure and record time, temp, pressure |
chemical monitoring | change in colour when physical parameter is met |
process indicators are | internal |
process integrators are | external |
biological monitoring | spore test |
class I indicators | process indicators, respond to heat only, used to identify pack to be processed |
class II indicators | bowie dick test, demonstrate fast and even penetration of steam |
class III indicator | responds to a single parameter (temp OR pressure) |
class IV (4) indicator | multi parameter indicator |
class V (5) indicator | affected by time, temp and saturated steam. MUST be used with implantable devices |
class VI (6) indicator | testing specific sterilization cycles |
chemical indicators do not prove sterilization has occurred. this is the function of | biological monitors |