Glossary In Sterilization

Aeration

The process of exposing an ethylene oxide gas-sterilized item to warm, circulating air to eliminate residual ethylene oxide.

Alkylation

A chemical process involves the replacement of an available hydrogen atom within a chemical group, such as the amino, carboxyl, or hydroxyl groups, with a hydroxyethyl radical.

Antiseptic

A mild disinfectant is used on the skin and mucous membranes to reduce bacterial count and inhibit bacterial growth.

Asepsis

The absence of disease-causing microorganisms; freedom from infection; the exclusion of microorganisms.

Autoclave

A steam-pressure vessel that sterilizes by using steam under pressure at temperatures above 100°C.

Bacillus Stearothermophilus

A highly heat-resistant, spore-forming microorganism used in the form of commercially prepared spore strips to assess the effectiveness of sterilization in steam sterilizers.

Bacillus Subtilis

A spore-forming microorganism used in the form of commercially prepared spore strips to assess the effectiveness of sterilization in ethylene oxide sterilizers.

Bactericidal

Having the characteristic of destroying bacteria.

Bacteriostatic

Inhibiting or retarding bacterial growth.

Bioburden

The quantity of microorganisms with which an object is contaminated.

Biological Indicator

A device designed for use by healthcare providers to accompany products undergoing sterilization, monitoring the adequacy of the sterilization process. It typically consists of a known number of microorganisms, usually bacterial spores, with known resistance to the sterilization method, enclosed in a protective package. Subsequent growth or failure of the microorganisms to grow under suitable conditions indicates the adequacy of sterilization.

Bowie-Dick Test

A test developed by J.H. Bowie and J. Dick to challenge the vacuum pump in a high vacuum steam sterilizer.

Chemical Indicators

Physical or chemical devices used to monitor one or more process parameters of the sterilization cycle, detecting failures in packaging, loading, and/or sterilizer function. Chemical indicators usually consist of a sensitive chemical or ink dye, the sensitivity of which may vary from product to product.

Contaminated

Containing infectious organisms or substances.

Decontamination

The process of making something safe by removing or reducing contamination by infectious organisms or other harmful substances.

Disinfectant

An agent that kills all growing or vegetative forms of microorganisms, completely eliminating them from inanimate objects.

Disinfection

A process capable of destroying pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily bacterial spores.

A colorless, flammable gas that can be used in its pure concentration or in compounds with inert chemicals such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or Chlorofluorohydrocarbons (CFHC). It is an alkylating agent that primarily reacts with nucleophilic groups, including amines, alcohols, phenols, organic and inorganic acids, and water. Its biochemical reactions involve the ring nitrogens of purine and pyrimidine bases, as well as amino acids and proteins. EO reacts with the chlorine ion to form ethylene chlorohydrin or with water to form ethylene glycol.

Fractional Sterilization

A method of sterilization involving alternating exposure and cooling periods over a consecutive period.

Glutaraldehyde

A compound used in aqueous solution as a disinfectant and sterilant.

Infection

The invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms and the body's reaction to this invasion.

Lumen

The open inner space of a tube, such as in a blood vessel, needle, or catheter.

Microorganisms

Plants or animals that are only visible with microscopic magnification.

Pathogenic

Producing or capable of producing disease.

Sanitation

A process capable of reducing the number of microbial contaminants to a relatively safe level. It provides a lower safety margin because it does not require or necessarily produce the complete destruction of any particular microorganisms.

Spores

Bacteria in a dormant state.

Sporicidal

An agent with the ability to kill spores.

Saturated Steam

Steam holding all the moisture it can contain while still remaining a vapor.

Sterile

Free of all living microorganisms.

Sterilization

A process capable of destroying all forms of microbial life on inanimate surfaces.