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5 factors that affect the sterilization process
- Temperature
- Time
- Humidity
- Concentration of the sterilizing agent
- Penetrating ability of the sterilizing agent
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4 different types of steam sterilizers
- Flash
- High Vacuum
- Pressure/gravity
- Washer/sterilizer
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Describe flash sterilizer
Smaller version of a sterilizer, often used in an operating room to provide sterilization for nonpackaged items. Not suitable for linens and gloves or solutions.
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Describe high vacuum pressure/gravity displacement sterilizer
Most commonly used steam sterilizer in a Central Services Department. It pulls air out of the chamber and then steam is injected to replace it. Can be used for fabrics.
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Describe washer sterilizer
Not intended as a terminal method of sterilization. It is a mechanical cleaning process that uses agitated water with detergent to loosen gross debris. Has a 65% efficiency rate in cleaning instruments
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Why would ethylene oxide sterilization be used?
Used for equipment that cannot withstand the extremem pressure and temps of steam sterilization.
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How does Ethylene oxide work?
Kills microorganisms by chemical interference and by inactivation of the cell's reproductive process
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How must instruments be prepared before ETO sterilization?
Items must be towel dry so no visible water droplets remain prior to sterilization
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Sterilization by ETO is dependant upon 4 things
- Time
- Temparature
- Humidity
- Gas concentration
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Prevac steam cycle at 270o F
? pressure
? time
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Prevac steam cycle at 275o F
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?time
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Gravity displacement steam 250o F
?pressure
?time
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Gravity displacement steam 270o F
?pressure
?time
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Gravity displacement steam 275o F
?pressure
?time
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Temp/time for prevac flash, metal items, no lumen
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Temp/time for prevac flash, porous items, metal items and items with lumina
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Time/temp for high speed gravity displacement flash of metal items with no lumina
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Time/temp for high speed gravity displacement flash of prous items, metal items, and items with lumina
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EtO sterilization exposure time
1 hr, 45 min
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EtO sterilization gas concentration
600 mg/L to 700mg/L
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EtO sterilization humidity
55%
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EtO sterilization pressure
8 psi
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EtO sterilization temperature
130o F
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Two different cycles/duration for plasma gas sterilization
- Standard cycle for 28 min
- Advanced cycle for 38 min
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7 kinds of instruments eligible for plasm gas sterilization
- Single-channel flexible endoscopes
- Semiridgid ureteroscopes
- Cameras
- Light cords
- Batteries
- Power drills
- Rigid endoscopes
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3 factors that affect the disinfection of items
- Type of microorganisms present
- Type of chemical used
- Type of object to be disinfected
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Amount of time needed for sterilization of instruments with glutaraldehyde
10 hours
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Amount of time for disinfection of instruments with glutaraldehyde
20 min
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Desribe biological monitors
Devices which contain specially prepared, live, spore-forming microorganisms that are placed inside packages put through the strerilizer cycle. Used to indicate sterility of contents
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Describe chemical monitors
Strips which are placed on the inside and outside of the package and will turn color once the package has gone through the sterilizer. Does not indicate sterility of contents
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Describe mechanical monitors
Thermometers, vacuum gauges, clocks and pressure gauges which only show that required parameters were met and that the machines were functioning. Does not indicate sterility
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