Post on 25-May-2015
description
Disinfection & Sterilization
Dr : Dina RamadanMicrobiologist In Central Health Laboratory
Ministry of Health
Cairo-Egypt
Quality Manager
Definitions
Disinfection:It is a procedure intended to reduce microorganisms as far as
possible (but not bacterial spores) by physical and chemical means
Sterilization:the complete removal or destruction of all forms of microbial
life including bacterial spores
Remember :
No absolute assurance that there is 0 microorganism
Other Definitions
Disinfection The use of a physical or chemical procedure to eliminate
pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects
SterilizationThe use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy
all microbial life, including large numbers of highly resistant bacterial spores.
Chemical Disinfectant
Alcohols
There are two water-soluble alcohol can be used in lab: ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.
Concentration required : 60-90% in water Mode of its action : it denaturing bacterial proteins its Flammable, Can be removed from disinfected
articles by flaming.
Alcohols effect on bacteria
they are bactericidal against for the vegetative forms of bacteria (Gram + and Gram -);
also they are tuberculocidal, fungicidal, and virucidal against enveloped viruses (HIV, influenza ,herpes viruses).
not effective against bacterial spores and have limited effectiveness against nonenveloped viruses ( adenovirus, rotavirus)
Alcohols
Higher concentrations are less effective as the action of denaturing proteins is inhibited without the presence of water
Hypochlorite's
it has broad spectrum antimicrobial effect
inexpensive and fast acting, It is recommended for disinfection of
counter tops and work surfaces,
Chlorine
It is very effective against vegetative bacteria and viruses like HBV and HIV viruses, therefore its use is recommended at 1:10 dilution for disinfection of blood spills
not much useful against spores
Phenol
• It effective against bacteria
(especially gram +ve bacteria)
and enveloped viruses.• They are not effective against non
enveloped viruses and spores. • This compounds is used for decontamination of the
hospital environment, including laboratory surfaces.
No Disinfectant is substitute for the following Procedures
Hand washing (hand hygiene); use of personal protective equipment
(PPE )in the lab Environmental cleaning Appropriate handling of waste and Taking care of yourself (e.g. immunization)
Yet no substitute for washing hands Do not forget to Wash Your Hands
Immediately on arrival at workAfter handling specimensAfter removing glovesAfter using the toiletBefore leaving work
Sterilization
1. Heat sterilization
2. Chemical sterilization
3. Radiation sterilization
Heat Sterilization
It is the simplest, most effective and inexpensive method.
Types of heat sterilization :a) Steam sterilization (Autoclaving)
b) Dry heat sterilization
Mechanism of Action
DRY HEAT:
1. protein denaturation
2. Oxidative damage
3. Toxic effects of increased levels of electrolytes
MOIST HEAT:
1. Protein denaturation & coagulation
2. Latent heat liberated when steam condenses on cooler surface
3. Hydrolysis & breakdown of bacterial proteins
Steam Sterilization (MOIST HEAT )
Advantages: good penetration maintains integrity of liquids (e.g. Lubricants) due to the
100% humidity within the chamber.
Disadvantages: Non stainless steel metal items corrode may damage plastic and rubber items
Dry-Heat Sterilization
Heating at atmospheric pressure and often use a fan to obtain uniform temperature by circulation.
Heat at 180º for half hour , 170º for 1 hr., or 160º C for 2 hrs.
Temperature (°C) Time (minutes)
120 480
140 180
150 150
160 120
170 60
180 30
Dry-Heat Sterilization
Advantages: It is effective and safe for metal instruments because the
process does not dull instrument edges or rust/corrode the instruments.
Disadvantages: Less reliable than autoclaving
Many materials do not tolerate
dry heat (as media)
Chemical Sterilization
The chemical compounds used can be:a) Gas Sterilizationb) Liquid Sterilization
Generally, chemical sterilization procedures have the disadvantages of presenting health hazards to users (e.g. poisonous, flammable, )
Gas Sterilization
The gas used in this procedure is ethylene oxide. Keep objects in constant atmospheric humidity. Heat to temperatures between 30º and 60º C,for a
period of 10 hrs. Residual ethylene oxide must be ventilated It is used for sterilizing endoscopes and ansthetic
apparatus.
Liquid Sterilization
Can be performed with buffered glutaric aldehyde. Procedure:
Immerse object in liquid for several hours. Rinse with sterile water after end of procedure. It used in hospitals for sterilization of surgical
instruments, rubber or plastic equipment
which cannot be heat sterilized
Radiation Sterilization
Provides effective way of sterilization when using non ionizing radiation in high doses (Gamma radiation ).
it is clean process dry process the object full exposure from all directions
Non ionizing radiations
UV RAYS (ultra violet)
are used to sterilize internal Surfaces of safety cabinets, entry ways, Operation theaters etc.
IR RAYS ( infra red) are used for rapid mass sterilization of pre packed items such as syringes, catheters etc.
Asepsis
Sterilization Disinfection
Heat RadiationChemical Heat Chemical
Steam
Dry heat
Gas
Liquid
Gamma Boiling water Phenol
Heat or chloramines solution
Hexachlorophene
70% AlcoholEthylene oxide
Formalin
Glutaric Aldehyde
In summary
Sterilization and disinfection are costly and time consuming process
However, it is an essential in all health care facilities to avoid infection.
It depends the material and users of instrument. Staff should keep in mind that contaminated
instrument present risk to the sample as well as the user himself.