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“In this lesson on the basics of microbial control we will cover aseptic technique, asepsis practices and antibiotics.
So Sterilization-Eliminates the presence of microbes...this can be done with Heat- high temps kill microbes,
certain Chemicals- Ethylene oxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Ozone that target bacteria. Irradiation- ultraviolet light, gamma rays that kill bacterial cells. High pressure- such as autoclaving- used to sterilize equipment and instruments and filtration-using membrane filters for liquids to separate out bacteria. Each of these are used for different reasons but all with the goal of removing harmful bacteria.
Medical Asepsis is more of a what we would describe as a “clean technique” in situations where conditions reduce the amount of bacteria and prevent growth as best as possible. Examples of this include the process of Degerming- reduces microbial growth through cleaning. Sanitization practices -through the use of chemicals to clean away microbes. Another example is Pasteurization- mild heat to reduce microbe numbers to extend shelf life (such as milk). These practices reduce microbial growth in surroundings and on items.
Antibiotics are drugs fight against bacteria. -cidal - drugs designed to kill the bacteria. A bactericidal antibiotic kills bacteria without the assistance of the patient's immune system. -static drugs designed to reduce or control the rate of growth of microbes. A bacteriostatic antibiotic prevents the bacteria from dividing, buying some time...but ultimately its the patient's own immune system that destroys the bacteria and cures the patient. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses because they are not living.
In review, aseptic techniques are designed to sterilize and eliminate bacteria. Asepsis considered a “clean technique “ designed to reduce and slow the growth of harmful bacteria as best as possible. Antibiotics fight against bacteria. There are bactericidal ones that destroy the bacteria outright without the immune system’s help and bacteriostatic antibiotics that reduce cell division in order to buy time until the immune system kicks in and destroys the cells all together.
We love you guys! Go out and be your best self today! And as always, Happy Nursing!
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