Disinfection and Sterilization

Disinfection and sterilization are essential in medical and surgical procedure for ensuring that the instruments do not transmit any infectious pathogens to patients. Sterilization and disinfection can be define as: Sterilization can be describe as a process that destroys or eliminates of the vegetative bacteria, bacterial spore and all other forms of microbial such as virus and fungi. While, disinfection describes a process that eliminates or destroy many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores on inanimate objects. The sterilization of surgerical instrument and appliance can be carried out by physical or chemical methods. The physical method for the sterilization include dry heat (oven) by dehydration of the bacteria, moist heat (autoclaving) by denaturing the protein in bacteria & microbes, filtration and radiation, which are commonly used in industrial sterilization. For the chemical method of the strilization, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and liquid chemicals such as alcohol, aldehyde and ethylene dioxide. These chemicals used as sterilizing agents are called chemisterilants or chemical sterilants.

Other ways also can be done for sterilization equipment practices. Surgical instrument can be wrapped for sterilization, which should ensure that after sterilization instruments keep sterile until it is taken out from the wrap for use. Sterilization of surgical instruments may be accomplished by steam. Only under urgent circumstances, quick sterilization method can be

used. Surgical instruments can also be sterilized in special sterile container with hospital acceptable conditions. Steam sterilize using a prevacuum cycle for 4 minutes at a minimum temperature of 132C (270F). When sterilizing multiple instruments in one steam sterilization cycle, ensure that it does not exceed the the sterilizer manufacturers maximum load. Drying times will vary according to load size and must be increased for larger loads. For the disinfection, chlorhexidine, pavidone iodine, phenol, potassium permangganate and acriflavin is commonly used in veterinary practices. These chemicals used in disinfection are called as disinfectants. Different disinfectants have different target ranges, not all disinfectants can kill all microorganisms. The cleaning agents recommended directions regarding concentration, temperature, contact time and solution re-use should be followed. Do not use high acid(pH 4 or lower) or high alkaline (pH 10 or higher) products for disinfectants. Disinfection is only acceptable as an adjunct to full sterilization for reusable surgical instruments. Antiseptics Antimicrobial spectrum Povidone Iodine -Effective against microbes (bacteria, viruses and fungi) but less effective against sporadic microbes. Chlorhexidine -Highly effective killing most of gram positive and some gram negative bacteria but not effective not against sporadic microbes. -Has a good persistent and residual effect up to 6 hours. -Effectiveness is not reduced by blood or other organic material. -Can cause irritation. -Hard water, hand creams, and natural soaps can reduce its effectiveness. Potassium permangate -Permangate salts have bacteridal, fungicidal, astringent and oxidizing agent.

Advantages

-Less irritating to skin compared to iodine. -Can be used on mucous membranes.

-Contain MnOanion that be used as strong oxidizing agents.

Disadvantages

-Moderately effective. -Can be reduced by blood or other organic material.

-Dry skin conditions are not suitable for Potassium permangate soaks.

Usage

-Applied to control mastitis by using teat dips, as dairy sanitizer. -As a general antiseptic or disinfectant for various dermal and mucosal infections.

-Commonly used as antiseptics in surgical and dental equipment. -As topical antiseptic for treatment of external wounds in dogs.

-Used as disinfectant in solution as topical anti-infective. -As an antidote for certain poisons.