CSPDT flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Enzymatic detergent

Cleaning solution containing enzymes that break down protein, fat, and blood; it is diluted, warmed, and timed according to the manufacturer's instructions and replaced when soiled.

Point-of-use treatment

Keeping contaminated instruments moist with an approved gel, foam, or water immediately after use so blood and saline do not dry and harden before cleaning.

Negative-pressure decontamination room

Decontamination area held at negative air pressure relative to surrounding rooms so airborne microorganisms stay contained; typically at least ten air exchanges per hour are required.

Cavitation

Formation and violent collapse of tiny bubbles in an ultrasonic cleaner that pull soil from instrument surfaces; items must be completely submerged and the solution degassed first.

Thermal disinfection

Hot-water rinse in a washer-disassembler at a validated time and temperature that reduces microbial bioburden on instruments; it is not a sterilization process.

Lumen flushing

Flushing the internal channel of a hollow instrument with detergent solution and water using a correctly sized brush and connector, following the manufacturer's written instructions.

Instrument inspection

Checking every item for cleanliness, proper function, alignment, sharpness, corrosion, and intact insulation before packaging; defective instruments are removed and repaired or replaced.

Hinged instrument position

Box locks and ratchets are opened to the first notch or fully open during preparation so steam or chemical sterilant can contact all instrument surfaces.

Internal chemical indicator

Indicator placed inside every package or tray to confirm exposure to the sterilization process; it does not prove sterility and does not replace biological monitoring.

Instrument set weight limit

Instrument sets generally should not exceed 25 pounds and textile packs should not exceed 12 pounds so sterilant penetrates and packages dry properly.

Event-related sterility

Shelf life based on storage and handling events rather than a fixed expiration date; packages remain sterile until torn, wet, compressed, or otherwise compromised.

Package labeling elements

Each package is labeled with the sterilizer identifier, cycle or load number, sterilization date, preparer's initials, and the facility's expiration or event-related date.

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores

Highly heat-resistant spores used as the biological indicator for steam, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization; a positive result indicates process failure.

Bacillus atrophaeus spores

Spore-forming organism used as the biological indicator for dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilization; it is more resistant than vegetative bacteria to those processes.

Bowie-Dick test

Daily warm-up test in an empty prevacuum steam sterilizer that detects air removal and steam penetration problems; a failed test means the load cannot be released.

Implant load quarantine

Implants are held until the load's biological indicator is negative; a rapid-read biological indicator may permit earlier release only when facility policy allows.

Immediate-use steam sterilization

Sterilizing unwrapped items for urgent use with no storage; the item is transported aseptically in a covered container and used immediately, formerly called flash sterilization.

Class 5 integrating indicator

Chemical indicator that responds to all critical sterilization parameters and is designed to correlate with a biological indicator at a specified location in the sterilizer.

Positive biological indicator

Result showing surviving spores after a cycle; all items processed since the last negative indicator from that sterilizer are recalled and the sterilizer is investigated.

Dry heat sterilization parameters

Hot-air sterilization commonly run at 160 C for two hours or 170 C for one hour, used for items that cannot tolerate moisture such as powders and oils.

Sterility assurance level

Probability that an item remains nonsterile after sterilization; the accepted level for medical devices is one in one million, written as 10 to the minus sixth.

Sterile storage humidity range

Sterile storage areas are maintained near 20-24 C (68-75 F) with 30-60% relative humidity to protect package integrity and keep items sterile.

Storage clearance distances

Sterile supplies are stored at least 8-10 inches above the floor, 18-20 inches below the ceiling, and 2 inches from exterior walls for cleaning and air circulation.

First in, first out

Inventory practice of issuing the oldest sterile stock first; each package is checked for integrity and correct labeling before it leaves the department.

Closed transport cart

Sterile items are moved in closed or covered carts to protect packages from dust, moisture, and contamination during distribution within the facility.

Compromised sterile package

A package that is torn, wet, soiled, punctured, or opened is considered contaminated and must be returned for inspection and reprocessing, never issued.

Spaulding classification

System that groups devices as critical, semicritical, or noncritical based on contact with sterile tissue, mucous membranes, or intact skin, which determines the required processing level.

Critical device

Item that enters sterile tissue or the vascular system; it must be sterilized before use because any microbial contamination carries a high risk of infection.

Semicritical device

Item that contacts mucous membranes or nonintact skin but not sterile body cavities; it requires at least high-level disinfection, and sterilization when feasible.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Federal rule 29 CFR 1910.1030 requiring an exposure control plan, hepatitis B vaccination offer, personal protective equipment, training, and sharps injury recordkeeping.

AAMI ST79

Comprehensive national guideline for steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities, covering decontamination, packaging, loading, monitoring, and sterile storage.

Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA rule requiring a chemical inventory, accessible safety data sheets, labeled containers, and staff training so workers know the hazards of chemicals they handle.