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Sterilization

This document discusses sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis. It defines key terms like sterilization, disinfection, antiseptics, and describes common physical and chemical sterilization methods. Specifically, it outlines moist heat sterilization using boiling or steam under pressure in an autoclave. It also discusses chemical sterilization using ethylene oxide gas. The document lists common disinfectants and antiseptics and provides pointers for their proper use.

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jgcriste
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2K views2 pages

Sterilization

This document discusses sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis. It defines key terms like sterilization, disinfection, antiseptics, and describes common physical and chemical sterilization methods. Specifically, it outlines moist heat sterilization using boiling or steam under pressure in an autoclave. It also discusses chemical sterilization using ethylene oxide gas. The document lists common disinfectants and antiseptics and provides pointers for their proper use.

Uploaded by

jgcriste
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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STERILIZATION & DISINFECTION

Antiseptics
• Typically an antiseptic is a chemical agent that is applied to living tissue to kill microbes
Disinfectants
• A disinfectant is a chemical or physical agent that is applied to inanimate objects to kill
microbes
Microorganism
• an organism that is microscopic (usually too small to be seen by the naked human eye)
Pathogenic Microorganisms
Sterility
• indicates a micro-environment (the surgical field) made free of infectious microorganisms.
Disinfection
• reducing the number of viable microorganisms present in a sample
Sterilization
• killing of all microorganisms in a material or on the surface of an object
Bactericidal
• antimicrobial that kills a microorganism
Bacteriostatic
• antimicrobial inhibits bacterial growth but does not kill the bacteria

Methods of Sterilization
A. Physical Sterilization
1. Moist Heat – kills all bacteria by coagulating or denaturing of the protein of the bacteria
a. Boiling (non-pressure sterilizer)
b. Saturated Steam under pressure (AUTOCLAVE)
2. Dry Heat – recommended for use only where direct contact of material with steam is
impractical of not available
a. Dry Heat Autoclave (hot air oven) – used for oil, ointment, and powders.
B. Chemical Sterilization
• Accomplished by use of ethylene oxide gas
• Ethylene oxide is a chemical agent that kills microorganisms, including spores, by
interfering with the normal metabolism of protein and reproductive processes, resulting in
death of cells
Shelf-Life – expiration date
1. Condition of Storage
• Free of dust, dirt and vermin
• Paper-wrapped/muslin-wrapped items good for 30 days, open shelving 21 days
• Protect from extreme temperature
2. Material used for packaging
• Muslin and paper wrapped items may be stored for 24-30 days, afterwhich re-
sterilization is required, but if sealed in airtight plastic bag, following cooling or
aerating, shelf life can be prolonged from 6-12 months
3. Seal of the package
• Tape sealed packages wrapped in non-warm fabrics or plastic film can be stored
for 3-4 months
4. Integrity of the package
Disinfection
• It differs from Sterilization by its lack of sporocidal power
• Used in the OR to kill microorganisms on inanimate surfaces and objects that cannot be
sterilized
Limitations of Chemical Disinfection
• Doesn’t KILL SPORES
• Real STRENGTH not known
• LONG TIMING
• DIFFICULT to submerge some articles
• NOT SUITABLE for some materials
• Can cause IRRITATION to tissue
• ABILITY to disinfect is limited to max concentration
Uses for chemical disinfection
• WOVEN
• CATHETER
• ENDOSCOPIC Instruments
• POLYETHYLENE
• EYE Surgery
Pointers when Using Chemical Disinfection
• Free from blood, secretions
• Rinse and dry under sterile conditions
• Solutions may be rinsed off if practical
DISINFECTANTS
• Formaldehyde (Formalin)
• Glutaraldehyde (Cidex)
• Phenol 100%
• Lysol
• Zephiran Chloride 17%
ANTISEPTICS
• Hexacholorophene - neurotoxic
• Betadine –watch out iodine sensitivity
• Mercurochrome
• Aqueous Zephiran
• Chorhexidine Gluconate

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