Sterility, Asepsis and Universal
Precautions
Health Science
Technology
Asepsis: literally, means “free of dirt”
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In reality, it is the simple method of preventing the
spread of undesirable microorganisms (germs) by
washing hands and observing other simple hygiene
methods.
Other methods: cleaning under nails, wearing
protective garments and facemasks and eye shields.
Cleaning other contact surfaces (fomites) by
disinfection.
Pathogens vs. non-pathogens
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Microorganisms include bacteria, fungi,
spores, ricketsiae, viruses.
Disinfection means killing microorganisms on
inanimate surfaces (fomites)
Antisepsis involves killing microorganisms on
living tissues that are either injured or getting
surgery
The autoclave
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A mechanical pressure cooker that kills all
living organisms and their spores by high
temperature and high pressure. Either
modality alone would not be as effective as
the two in combination.
Bacteria on a Petri dish after
incubation
Mode of transmission/airborne
Contact transmission
Fluid exchange bodily fluids
Injection of microorganisms
directly
Fungi in culture medium (molds,
algae, yeasts and fungi)
Viruses: obligate intracellular parasites
that can only replicate in other cells
Rickettsial diseases carried by ticks,
fleas, lice or any insect. Ex. Typhus
and Rocky Mtn. spotted fever
Shapes of Bacteria
Chemical/cold sterilization
Ultrasonic sterilization
Transfer forceps
Wrapping instruments for autoclaving
Indicator tape for sterilization
Hand washing for surgery
Wound isolation precautions/surgery
Disposal of medical waste
Disposal of “sharps”
Sterile wound changing/suture
removal
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MRSA
MRS
strep
Rheumatic fever and strep in kids
Staphlococcus; abscess former,pus
Staph abscess; MRSA!
Incubators; 98.6 degrees, 24 hours
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Incision and drainage
I and D with universal precautions
Culture and sensitivity
The sensitivity to antibiotics of a C & S
Kirby Bauer Method
I & D then C & S then prescribe the
right antibiotic
Prophylactic use of antibiotics
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Antibiotics and virus’
Side effects of antibiotics
Superinfections
Common cold and influenza
Vaccines for virus’ to juice up your immune
system
Antibiotic resistance growing each year
Nosocomial Infections
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Those we give to our patients
About 400,000 patients without infections
enter U.S. hospitals annually and contract an
infection there.
About ¼ of them die
MRSA’s Methicillin resistant stapholococcus
aureas most often
Breaking the chain of infection
MRSA
MRSA
SUPERBUGS!
mmrsa
Methicillin resistent staphlococcus
aureus (MRSA’s) one type of
superbug
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Others include klebsiella, pseudomonas,
neisseria gonorrhea, salmonella,
tuberculosis, E. Coli, clostridium, and new
ones every year!!
The more we use antibiotics, the
less they work; bacteria getting
smarter!
Wound isolation/quaratine hosts
of superbugs
Self checking our walls,
autoclaves, instruments for
superbugs!
Treatment for MRSA’s
Prevention
Washing hands of healthcare workers
Avoid use of prophylactic antibiosis prior to C & S
Destroy medical waste
Reduce surgical incision size and time of exposure
Autoclave only
Select healthier patients or build up resistance first
Avoid overuse of immunosuppressanats
(cortisone)
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Strep Throat (risk of rheumatic
fever)
Tatoo infections
Ebola virus epidemic