1231 CE Online (1)

GLOSSARY Aeration

Method by which the EO which is absorbed by the instrument during sterilization is removed or reduced using warm air circulation in an enclosed cabinet specifically designed for this action. Composed of populations or communities of microorganisms adhering to environmental surfaces. These microorganisms are usually encased in a protective, slimy film, which is an extracellular polysaccharide that is secreted by the microorganism community. With their protective covering, biofilms are very difficult to clean, disinfect and sterilize. Biofilms may be found on essentially any environmental surface in which sufficient moisture is present. Removal of all organic material from objects using friction, detergent and water. Cleaning must precede disinfection or sterilization. An instrument or object that is introduced directly into an area of human body is normally a sterile area, either into or in contact with a cavity, organ or bloodstream. The opportunity for infection to occur is considered critical and the instrument or object must be terminally sterilized prior to introducing it into the human body or blood stream. The process by which contaminants are removed, either by hand cleaning or mechanical means, using specific solutions capable of rendering blood and debris harmless and making the items safe for subsequent handling by personnel who are not wearing personal protective attire. Water-soluble cleaning agent that contains surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, making the surface of dirty instruments “wetter”. Detergents can also contain enzymes that attract or bind fats, oils and proteins. These soils are then removed from the instrument by mechanical action or agitation, which move the soils off from the surface of the instruments. Detergents are less likely to form a film on the instrument surface and are not as affected by minerals in the water. A process that destroys most forms of microorganisms on inanimate surfaces.

Biofilm

Cleaning

Critical Item

Decontamination

Detergent

Disinfection

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