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
I and D with universal precautions
Culture and sensitivity
The sensitivity to antibiotics of a C & S Kirby 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
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