Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
14:17
The Portable Chemical Sterilizer PCS, D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military
Published on: June 29, 2014
14.6K
Disinfection, sterilization and antisepsis: An overview.
William A Rutala1, John M Boyce2, David J Weber3
1Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.
American Journal of Infection Control
|October 27, 2023
Summary
Proper disinfection and sterilization of medical devices are crucial for preventing infections during surgical procedures. Adhering to guidelines ensures patient safety and reduces exposure to infectious agents.
Area of Science:
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Medical Device Sterilization
- Public Health
Background:
- Millions of surgical procedures occur annually, posing infection risks.
- Medical devices contact sterile tissues and mucous membranes.
- Preventing infection is paramount in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on disinfectants, sterilization, and antiseptics.
- To outline appropriate disinfection and sterilization levels for medical devices.
- To emphasize the importance of infection control in surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for disinfection and sterilization methods.
- Analysis of effectiveness of disinfectants and antiseptics.
- Categorization of medical items based on contact risk.
Main Results:
- Disinfection levels (high, low) depend on item classification (critical, semicritical, noncritical).
- Cleaning is a mandatory precursor to high-level disinfection and sterilization.
- Antiseptics are vital for hand hygiene, surgical antisepsis, and skin preparation.
Conclusions:
- Effective disinfection and sterilization ensure safe medical device use.
- Strict adherence to guidelines prevents patient infections.
- Proper protocols minimize exposure to infectious agents.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
6.9K
Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
6.9K
01:28Asepsis
2.2K
The condition of being free from disease-causing living pathogens is asepsis. Aseptic techniques include a set of standard practices to achieve asepsis. An example is the regular environmental cleaning of all parts of the healthcare facility and hand hygiene at home before preparing or eating food. Medical and surgical asepsis in healthcare practice protects patients from harmful pathogens, minimizes the risk of contamination of susceptible sites, and reduces the risk of infection transmission.
2.2K
01:23Hand hygiene
3.3K
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
3.3K
01:29Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth
44
Microbial growth control refers to various methods employed to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate microorganisms to ensure safety and hygiene across different settings. These methods are categorized based on the target environment and the level of microbial control required.Biocides are versatile agents designed to control microorganisms by either inhibiting their growth or outright killing them. These agents work through various physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological mechanisms. The...
44
01:29Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
20.0K
As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
20.0K
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
6.5K
In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
6.5K