Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 28 TSC 685 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Levels of Disinfection
The idea
Disinfection comes in levels, and the level used depends on how an item will contact the patient.
In practice
Learn the levels, as the disinfection guideline sets them out. First, sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores, and is required for critical items, like surgical instruments, that enter sterile tissue. Second, high-level disinfection kills all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores; it is the minimum for semicritical items that contact mucous membranes. Third, intermediate-level disinfection kills mycobacteria, most viruses and most fungi, but not necessarily spores. Fourth, low-level disinfection kills most bacteria, some fungi and some viruses, and is used for noncritical items and surfaces that touch only intact skin. Fifth, unlike sterilization, disinfection does not kill spores.
Where people slip
The level is matched to the use. A surgical instrument that is only disinfected, however thoroughly, is not ready to enter a patient's tissue.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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