A chemical agent
used on non-living objects (e.g., floors, walls, sinks) to destroy
virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms, but not
necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., bacterial endospores). The
EPA groups disinfectants on whether the product label claims
"limited," "general" or "hospital" disinfectant. Disinfection is
generally a less lethal process than
sterilization. It eliminates nearly all recognized
pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms
(e.g., bacterial spores) on inanimate objects. Disinfection does
not ensure an “overkill'' and therefore lacks the margin of safety
achieved by sterilization procedures.
The effectiveness
of a disinfection procedure is controlled significantly by a number
of factors, each one of which may have a pronounced effect on the
end result. Among these are:
• the nature and number of contaminating
microorganisms (especially the
presence of bacterial spores);
• the amount of organic matter present (e.g., soil, feces,
and blood);
• the type and condition of instruments, devices, and
materials to be disinfected;
• the temperature.
Disinfection is a
procedure that reduces the level of microbial contamination, but
there is a broad range of activity that extends from sterility at
one extreme to a minimal reduction in the number of microbial
contaminants at the other. By definition, chemical disinfection and
in particular, high-level disinfection differs from chemical
sterilization by its lack of sporicidal power. This is an over
simplification of the actual situation because a few chemical
germicides used as disinfectants do, in fact, kill large numbers of
spores even though high concentrations and several hours of exposure
may be required. Non-sporicidal disinfectants may differ in their
capacity to accomplish disinfection or
decontamination. Some
germicides rapidly kill only the ordinary vegetative forms of
bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci, some forms of
fungi, and lipid containing viruses, whereas others are effective
against such relatively resistant organisms as Mycobacterium
tuberculosis var. bovis, non-lipid viruses, and most forms of fungi.
Many
disinfectants are used alone or in combinations (e.g., hydrogen
peroxide and peracetic acid) in the health-care setting. These
include alcohols, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde,
glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors,
peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds.
Commercial formulations based on these chemicals are considered
unique products and must be registered with EPA or cleared by FDA.
In most instances, a given product is designed for a specific
purpose and is to be used in a certain manner. Therefore, users
should read labels carefully to ensure the correct product is
selected for the intended use and applied efficiently. See the
complete recommendations on sterilizer and disinfection at
www.cdc.gov
“Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare
Facilities, 2008”.
ATS, Inc. stocks sterility assurance products – see
Supplies.
DID YOU KNOW?
§
Autoclave Testing Service, Inc. is one of the first companies
nationwide to offer a
Mail-In sterilizer
monitoring service using biological indicators. Serving the
healthcare industry throughout the United States and Canada since
1986, we have thousands of satisfied customers.
§
We have on-line test results
allowing you to access your results at your convenience! Your
Sterilizer Test Report (STR) is posted
on-line upon completion of
culturing, offering minimum turn-around time.
§
We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!
§
We have a comprehensive Glossary of Terms related to the sterile
processing area (scroll below to view the Glossary). This is
invaluable information, assisting you with this important area of
your facility.
ATS, Inc. now
stocks sterilization pouches, sterilizer cleaners, chemical
indicator products, sterilizers (new and used), ultrasonic cleaners,
water distillers, and more! (see
Supplies).
In-Office and Mail-To-Lab Testing!
Verify the sterilization process of all steam
sterilizers which include Statim, Midmark,
Tuttnauer, Lisa, Mocom and Pelton & Crane
sterilizers.
Bowie-Dick Test
Packs should be used daily to evaluate the
performance of air-removal (vacuum) system of
dynamic pre-vacuum type sterilizers. Available
as test cards or preassembled test packs.
Internal CI’s should be used within
each pouch or package, tray, or container. Class 5
Integrators should be used in conjunction with
physical monitoring and biological indicator
testing for verifying the efficacy of a
sterilization system. (See AAMI ST79:2006)
Recordkeeping is a must for all
sterile processing departments. This ensures
accountability and allows operators to trace
errors to their source. Tips on sterilizer
maintenance and technical advice are included with
each book.
