Disinfection and sterilization

Importance of sterilization,
In health care setting it is important;

• To render articles and environment safe from the risk of transmitting infections.
•  Pathogens on hands & environment are removed or destroyed by ,

–        high standard of cleanliness

–        drying, washing, good ventilation and sun light.

 

o   Wards should be well ventilated and sunny.

● High risk procedures

o       Require absolute sterility

–        Surgery

–        preparation

•         of culture media

•         Iv fluids and other injectable drugs

–        Types of research work

Chemical agents used in sterilization and disinfection

 

Liquids
Agent	Purpose ,  Antiseptic & Disinfectant activity,
1.    Alcohols 70% ethanol, 70% isopropyl alcohol (Up to 95% can be used but not in the pure form)	Kills – most vegetative bacteria, fungi & viruses Inactive against spores of bacteria & fungi 1.    Skin disinfectant for venepuncture, cannula insertion & IM injections. 2.    Disinfection of thermometers and surfaces. 3.    Can be used as a base for other bactericides. eg: Chlorhexidine, Iodine, Triclosan -  For pre-operation skin disinfection -  eg: 0.5% chlorhexidine in 95%  ethanol

 

2.    Aldehydes *Gluteraldehyde (Cidex) 2% gluteraldehyde is very commonly used in hospitals.

Kills – all organisms & spores 1.    2% Gluteraldehyde is used to disinfect heat sensitive instruments eg. Fiber optic endoscopes , Dialysis equipment,  Plastic tubing. 1.    Gluteraldehyde – inactivated less by organic matter. 2.    Need proper cleaning of instruments before dipping. 3.    Tubes must be totally immersed & completely filed. 4.    Non corrosive 5.    Irritant to skin, eyes & mucous membrane – need proper washing with sterile water after immersion. 6.    Acidic solutions are slower sporicides than alkaline solutions. 7.    Should be used within 14 days or discarded following 20 immersions even before 14 days.

*Formaldehyde

Decontaminate postmortem rooms, & laboratories.(fumigation)