Dental Terms Chapter 21

Chemical Vapor Sterilizer

a piece of equipment that is used for sterilizing by means of hot formaldehyde vapors under pressure

Dry Heat Sterilizer

a piece of equipment used for sterilization by means of heat air

Endospore

a resistant, dormant structure that is formed inside of some bacteria and can withstand adverse conditions

Event-related packaging

means that it is assumed the contents of a package will remain sterile indefinitely unless the packaging is compromised

Use-Life

the length of time that a germicidal solution is effective after it has been prepared for use

Biologic Monitor

verifies sterilization by confirming that all spore-forming microorganisms have been destroyed

Biologic Indicators

vials or strips, also known as spore tests, that contain harmless bacterial spores and are used to determine whether a sterilizer is working

Ultrasonic Cleaner

a device that loosens and removes debris with the use of sound waves traveling through a liquid

Multi-Parameter Indicator

an indicator that reacts to time, temperature, and the presence of steam

Semi-critical Instruments

instruments that come in contact with oral tissues but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone

Non-critical Instruments

instruments that come into contact with intact skin only

Critical Instruments

instruments used to penetrate soft tissue or bone

autoclave

is a piece of equipment that is used for sterilizing by means of moist heat under pressure

Sterilant

is an agent capable of killing all microorganisms

Contaminated Area

sterilization center where contaminated items are brought for pre-cleaning

Clean Area

sterilization center, sterilized instruments, fresh disposable supplies, and prepared trays are stored

Single-Parameter Indicator

tapes, strips, and tabs with heat-sensitive chemicals that change color when exposed to a certain temperature