![]() Certain concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with a specific acid to lower the pH can be used as a sterilant. Hydrogen Peroxide is an effective disinfectant and is active against bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores. difficile, and Candida species in minutes. With its wide range of antimicrobial activity, this inexpensive disinfectant is able to remove biofilms created by bacteria from surfaces. ChlorineĬhlorine is the most widely used chemical disinfectant in the form of sodium hypochlorite (also known as household bleach). Prolonged and repeated use in disinfecting rubber tubings can cause it to swell and harden. Unlike cleaning detergents, its composition is not meant for all types of materials. Like other chemical disinfectants, it cannot be used as a sterilizing medium as it is unable to destroy dormant forms of bacteria. culbertsoni, a parasite that can cause swelling of the brain.Īlcohol is being used to disinfect thermometers, scissors, stethoscopes, and surfaces of medical equipment in healthcare facilities. On the other hand, Isopropyl alcohol is only effective in destroying cysts of A. ![]() AlcoholĮthyl alcohol, for example, has varying bactericidal and virucidal effects depending on its concentration against different microorganisms. ![]() Each disinfectant is unique and intended for a specific purpose. Chemical disinfectants in the form of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine are most commonly encountered even in the household. Disinfectionĭisinfection can be achieved by the use of chemical disinfectants, heavy metals, UV light emitting machines, and pasteurization. However, this requires proper dilution and it's important to check that the soiled material is compatible. This detergent can be used alone or as a supplement to enzymatic cleaners (chemicals that can attack fats, starches, or proteins) that improves the removal of organic material. Some cleaning solutions, such as a neutral pH detergent, offer proper soil removal and are compatible with most materials. Studies have shown that using this equipment to clean medical instruments has significantly decreased the number of microorganisms. One of the most commonly used mechanical units are ultrasonic cleaners that utilize high-frequency sound to remove dirt. Methods of Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization CleaningĬleaning can be done with the use of mechanical units. Healthcare facilities perform it through physical or chemical methods, which are discussed next. Sterilization is a procedure that breaks up all forms of microbial life. You can learn more about this method and the chemical disinfectants involved below. The only exception is bacterial spores on non-living objects. It is the same process as what you do with your laundry and dishes.ĭisinfection is a process that eliminates many, if not all, disease-causing microorganisms. It's typically done through the use of water with detergents or enzymatic products. Defining Cleaning, Disinfection, and SterilizationĬleaning is the removal of foreign material, such as soil or food residue, from objects. Interruptions include the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (such as a mask, gloves, and surgical gown), handwashing before and after the patient interaction, disinfection of table surfaces in healthcare institutions, and sterilization of medical and surgical instruments. It is called the “weakest link” because the transmission of disease can be easily interrupted in many ways. The mode of transmission is the means of a bacteria, fungi, virus, or parasite traveling from its source to a susceptible person. Healthcare professionals use this model as a guide when attending to their patients by “breaking” that chain at its weakest link, which is the mode of transmission to prevent infection to themselves and to other patients. The chain of infection is a model that shows the interaction of different factors that lead to the acquisition of an infectious disease. In all healthcare settings, programs are routinely implemented to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.Īs a nurse, you regularly hear the words "cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing." But what do they exactly mean, and how can you distinguish them from each other? Let’s take a deeper dive into these terminologies. ![]() Nurses and healthcare professionals are expected to follow best practices in infection prevention and control.
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