Antisepsis
Prevents or inhibits growth of pathogenic
organisms
NOT effective against spores and viruses
Can usually be used on the skin
`
Common examples:
•
90% Isopropyl Alcohol
•
Betadine
Disinfection
Chemicals frequently used for aseptic control
• They do not kill spores & viruses so it’s not
sterilization
• Used to disinfect instruments that don’t
penetrate body tissue:
dental instruments
percussion hammers
thermometers
• Examples:
90% isopropyl alcohol
formaldehyde-alcohol
10% bleach solution
Lysol
Zephiran
Boiling water disinfects but does not sterilize
• Satisfactory for home care where
instruments/supplies used for one person only
• Usually 15-30 minutes
Ultrasonic unit – used in dental & medical
offices to disinfect
• Uses sound waves to produce millions of
microscopic bubbles
• Cavitation – bubbles hit instrument and
explode, driving cleaning solution into article
Sterilizing with an Autoclave
Uses steam under pressure or gas
Destroys ALL microbes,
pathogenic and nonpathogenic –
including spores & viruses
Before wrapping, instruments
must be clean
Wraps must allow for penetration of steam
• Muslin
• Autoclave paper
• Special plastic or paper bags
• Autoclave containers
Indicators are used to ensure articles have been
sterilized
• Autoclave tape, sensitivity marks on bags or
wraps, indicator capsules
• Indicator will change appearance when sterile
Autoclave must be loaded correctly
Amount of time depends on the article to be
sterilized – usually 15–30 minutes
If wrap becomes torn or wet, it is contaminated
Expires in 30 days
Sterile Technique - Principles
• Surgical Asepsis – procedures that keep an
object or area free from living organisms
• Sterile – free from all organisms, including spores
and viruses
• Contaminated – organisms/pathogens are
present
• A clean, uncluttered work area necessary when
working with sterile supplies
• Sterile field – sterile area – never reach across a
sterile field – reach in from the side
• Never turn your back on a sterile field
• 2-inch border of sterile field is considered
contaminated
• Common techniques:
- Drop technique
- Mitten technique
- Transfer forceps
• Keep sterile field dry (pathogens travel through
wet) and be careful when pouring fluids
• Be sure sterile field is open and ready before
putting on sterile gloves
• Sterile gloves are contaminated on the inside –
once on, keep hands away from body and above
waist
• When in doubt, consider it contaminated
Opening Sterile Packages
♦ Check to be sure the sterile package has not
expired
♦ Open the distal end and pull it away from you,
reaching around the package, not across
♦ Open the sides without touching the inside
wrapper
♦ Pull the bottom down toward you
♦ Drop technique
♦ Mitten technique
♦ Transfer forceps
SELECT THE APPROPRIATE ASEPTIC CONTROL FOR
EACH OF THE FOLLOWING AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU
SELECTED THAT CHOICE.
1.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
5.
8.