Instrument Classification
These instruments enter sterile tissue and must always be sterile.
What are critical instruments?
This machine sterilizes instruments using steam under pressure.
What is an autoclave?
This is the physical removal of dirt and debris.
What is cleaning?
These should always be worn when handling contaminated instruments
What are gloves?
The process that kills all microorganisms, including spores.
What is sterilization?
These instruments contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate tissue.
What are semicritical instruments?
This must be completed before instruments are sterilized.
What is cleaning?
This process destroys most pathogens but not bacterial spores.
What is disinfection?
This organization publishes Standard Precautions for infection prevention.
What is the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)?
Instruments should be stored in this condition after sterilization.
What is clean, dry, and sealed?
Blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes are examples of these.
What are noncritical instruments?
This packaging allows steam to penetrate while maintaining sterility afterward.
What are sterilization pouches (autoclave pouches)?
This type of disinfectant is used for semicritical instruments when sterilization isn't possible.
What is high-level disinfection?
This federal agency enforces workplace safety standards
What is OSHA?
This document records the date, load number, and results of sterilization testing.
What is the sterilization log?
The Spaulding Classification is used to determine this.
What is the level of processing required for instruments?
This test confirms that an autoclave is functioning properly.
What is a biological spore test?
Instruments should be cleaned before this process because debris can prevent it from working
What is disinfection or sterilization?
Used needles should immediately be placed into this type of container
What is a sharps container?
If a sterilization pouch is torn or wet, it is considered this.
What is contaminated and must be reprocessed?
Surgical forceps are classified as this type of instrument.
What are critical instruments?
Sterilization destroys these, including bacterial spores.
What are all microorganisms?
Ultrasonic cleaners remove debris using these.
What are high-frequency sound waves?
The first step after a needlestick injury is this.
What is wash the area immediately and report the incident?
The overall goal of instrument processing is to prevent this
What is the spread of infection (cross-contamination)?