Sterility, Asepsis and Universal Precautions

Health Science Technology

Asepsis: literally, means “free of dirt”

In reality, it is the simple method of preventing the spread of undesirable microorganisms (germs) by washing hands and observing other simple hygiene methods.

Other methods: cleaning under nails, wearing protective garments and facemasks and eye shields.

Cleaning other contact surfaces (fomites) by disinfection.

Pathogens vs. non-pathogens

Microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, spores, ricketsiae, viruses.

Disinfection means killing microorganisms on inanimate surfaces (fomites)

Antisepsis involves killing microorganisms on living tissues that are either injured or getting surgery

The autoclave

A mechanical pressure cooker that kills all living organisms and their spores by high temperature and high pressure. Either modality alone would not be as effective as the two in combination.

Bacteria on a Petri dish after incubation

Mode of transmission/airborne

Contact transmission

Fluid exchange bodily fluids

Injection of microorganisms directly

Fungi in culture medium (molds, algae, yeasts and fungi)

Viruses: obligate intracellular parasites that can only replicate in other cells

Rickettsial diseases carried by ticks, fleas, lice or any insect. Ex. Typhus and Rocky Mtn. spotted fever

Shapes of Bacteria

Chemical/cold sterilization

Ultrasonic sterilization

Transfer forceps

Wrapping instruments for autoclaving

Indicator tape for sterilization

Hand washing for surgery

Wound isolation precautions/surgery

Disposal of medical waste

Disposal of “sharps”

Sterile wound changing/suture removal

MRS

MRSA

strep

Rheumatic fever and strep in kids

Staphlococcus; abscess former,pus

Staph abscess; MRSA!

Incubators; 98.6 degrees, 24 hours

Incision and drainage

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I and D with universal precautions

Culture and sensitivity

The sensitivity to antibiotics of a C & SKirby Bauer Method

I & D then C & S then prescribe the right antibiotic

Prophylactic use of antibiotics

Antibiotics and virus’ Side effects of antibiotics Superinfections Common cold and influenza Vaccines for virus’ to juice up your immune

system Antibiotic resistance growing each year

Nosocomial Infections

Those we give to our patients About 400,000 patients without infections

enter U.S. hospitals annually and contract an infection there.

About ¼ of them die MRSA’s Methicillin resistant stapholococcus

aureas most often Breaking the chain of infection

MRSA

MRSA

SUPERBUGS!

mmrsa

Methicillin resistent staphlococcus aureus (MRSA’s) one type of superbug

Others include klebsiella, pseudomonas, neisseria gonorrhea, salmonella, tuberculosis, E. Coli, clostridium, and new ones every year!!

The more we use antibiotics, the less they work; bacteria getting smarter!

Wound isolation/quaratine hosts of superbugs

Self checking our walls, autoclaves, instruments for superbugs!

Treatment for MRSA’s

Prevention

Washing hands of healthcare workers

Avoid use of prophylactic antibiosis prior to C & S

Destroy medical waste

Reduce surgical incision size and time of exposure

Autoclave only

Select healthier patients or build up resistance first

Avoid overuse of immunosuppressanats (cortisone)

Strep Throat (risk of rheumatic fever)

Tatoo infections

Ebola virus epidemic