Microbiology for Sterile Processing Flashcards
6 cards from real HSPA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Microbiology for Sterile Processing flashcards as text
What is the D-value in sterilization microbiology?
Answer: Time required at a given temperature to reduce a microbial population by 90%
D-value is the time to kill 90% of organisms at a specific temperature, representing one log reduction.
What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents?
Answer: Bactericidal agents kill bacteria; bacteriostatic agents only inhibit growth
Bactericidal agents kill; bacteriostatic agents suppress growth without killing.
Why are gram-negative bacteria of greater concern for healthcare infections?
Answer: Their additional outer membrane provides resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants, and they produce endotoxins
Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane barrier and readily acquire antibiotic resistance.
What is the role of spore testing in sterilization validation?
Answer: To challenge the process with the most resistant organism, providing the most direct measure of effectiveness
Spore testing is the gold standard because it directly demonstrates whether organisms were killed.
What is Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) and what level is required?
Answer: SAL 10^-6 (one-in-a-million probability of a surviving organism)
SAL 10^-6 means no more than one-in-a-million probability of any single item containing a viable organism.
How do mycobacteria differ in disinfection resistance?
Answer: Their thick waxy cell wall makes them significantly more resistant, requiring HLD or sterilization
Mycobacteria have mycolic acid cell walls creating a hydrophobic barrier against disinfectants.