IPC1
The single most important measure for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare.
Hand hygiene.
Decontamination starts at this location or step.
Point of use.
Instrument box locks should be placed in this position before cleaning.
Open position.
Semi-critical devices require at least this level of processing.
High-level disinfection (HLD).
Thermal disinfection is typically performed at temperatures between these values.
81°C to 90°C
These practices assume that all patients, blood, body fluids, and contaminated devices may be infectious.
Routine practices.
This solution should never be used to keep instruments moist during transport.
Saline solution.
These cleaning tools must be inspected before use and discarded if damaged.
Cleaning brushes.
Washer-disinfectors achieve disinfection using this method.
Thermal disinfection.
Health Canada authorizes approved disinfectants with this identifying number.
Drug Identification Number (DIN)
These environmental controls are commonly found in healthcare settings to support infection prevention.
Handwash sinks, ABHR dispensers, sharps containers.
Instruments should be taken apart into these before cleaning.
Simplest components.
Dr. Spaulding's classification system divides devices into these three categories.
Critical, semi-critical and non-critical devices.
This process destroys most pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all bacterial spores.
Disinfection.
These disinfectants are commonly used on environmental surfaces such as floors, mattresses, and tables.
Low-level disinfectants.
These infections are acquired while receiving care in a healthcare facility.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
Cleaning should ideally begin within this time frame after device use.
15 minutes to 1 hour.
These Spaulding-classified devices enter sterile tissue, the vascular system, or a body space.
Critical devices.
According to the microorganism-resistance chart, this level of processing is required to destroy mycobacteria.
High-level disinfection (HLD).
This concentration range of alcohol is considered effective as a disinfectant.
70% to 90% alcohol
In the MDRA, all of this must be completely covered because it can harbor microorganisms.
Head and facial hair.
This is considered the first and most important step in medical device reprocessing.
Cleaning.
Brushing instruments below the water surface helps prevent the creation of these.
Aerosols.
Following high-level disinfection, devices require at least this many separate rinses.
3 rinses.
Devices must remain visibly wet with disinfectant for this manufacturer-specified period.
Contact time.