FOR ELECTROLYSIS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Intermediate-level disinfection - ANSWER-A disinfection process capable of killing
Mycobacteria tuberculosis var.bovis (TB), broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi,
including Herpes, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, HIV, HBV and inactive AIDs viruses.
Registered as a s "tuberculocide" by the EPA.
Examples: Alcohols (70-90%), quaternary ammonium compounds and phenolics. Some
hospital disinfectants. (*chlorine compounds) used on: Epilator cords (non-critical)
Contamination - ANSWER-The result of being soiled, stained, touched or otherwise
exposed to harmful agents, making an object potentially unsafe for use as intended or
without barrier techniques. An example is the entry of infectious or toxic materials into a
previously clean or sterile environment.
Critical items - ANSWER-The instruments or object that come in direct contact with the
bloodstream or other normally sterile areas of the body. Critical items must be pre-
sterilized, Single use and disposable. Or sterilized before use.
Examples; Instruments, Tweezers, needles.
Decontamination - ANSWER-Use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactive, or
destroy pathogens on a surface or item so that they are no longer capable of
transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling,
use or disposal.
(Chemincal) Disinfectants - ANSWER-Chemical agent used on hard inanimate surfaces
and objects to destroy or irreversibly inactivate infectious fungi and bacteria but not
necessarily their spores.
Chemical disinfectants are classified as:
- Hospital type: The most critical for infection prevention. Used on medical and dental
instruments, floors, walls, linens, toilet seats, etc.
- General use: used in households, swimming pools and water purifiers.
They can be "high level", "intermediate-level" and "low level" according to their
comparative levels of potency and intended uses, but are not a final step in the
processing of instruments.
High-level disinfection - ANSWER-Disinfection process that inactivates some, but not
necessarily all, bacterial spores. Is the minimum treatment recommended by the CDC
, for processing of semi-critical instrument. Used on: White needle holder caps, phoresis
applicators/rollers.
Examples:
- Glutaraldehyde-based germicides (not recommended for sterilization of instruments
based on their toxicity level, instability and impracticality).
- Hydrogen peroxide/ peracetic acid-based formula. - Orthophthaladehyde.
Sharps container - ANSWER-Specially manufactured and labeled, leak proof, puncture
resistant, durable plastic container into which needles and lancets are placed after use.
Disposed of as an item of regulated medical waste. It should only be 3/4 full.
Antiseptic - ANSWER-A germicide used on skin or living tissue to inhibit or destroy
microorganisms on the skin. Not appropriate in any instance for disinfecting inanimate
objects Commonly used antiseptics are isopropyl alcohol (60-70%), benzalkonium
chloride. Witch hazel with 14% alcohol is an astringent, not an antiseptic, but
appropriate for post treatment.
The FDA regulates antiseptics.
Potential exposure to hepatitis, HIV and other blood-borne pathogen's - ANSWER-
When a puncture injury occur:
Remove and discard gloves
Wash with water and soap. If wound is bleeding, allow to bleed.
Apply anti-septic product
Contact physician for consultation and post exposure strategies.
Document the exposure including date and time, details of procedure, details of
exposure, details of exposure source, details if exposed person, details about
counseling, postexposure management, source client, follow up, etc.
Alcohol-based rub - ANSWER-Preparations containing alcohol for application to the
hands in order to reduce viable micro organisms. Used for hand antisepsis.
60% - 95% ethanol or isopropanol
Aseptic technique - ANSWER-A set of specific practices used before, during and after a
procedure to protect against the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Examples:
appropriately timed handwashing, decontamination of inanimate surfaces and
instruments, use of personal protective clothing or barriers, proper containment and
disposal of waste, consistent handling of instruments., which minimize cross
contamination and reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens..
Autoclave (steam sterilizer) - ANSWER-A device used for sterilization by application of
pressurized steam and heat.
Regulated by the FDA.
Biological indicator (BI) - ANSWER-A commercially prepared device with a known
population of highly resistant bacterial spores used to test the method of sterilization