September 30, 1994
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AERATOR: A machine designed to speed up the
DECONTAMINATION: The process of rendering
removal of EtO residues from sterilized
contaminated items safe for handling.
items by subjecting them to warm,
DISINFECTION: A process that destroys most
circulating air.
forms of microorganisms on inanimate
BIOBURDEN: The number and types of viable
surfaces. The three levels of disinfection
microorganisms with which an item is
are high-level, intermediate-level and low-
contaminated. When measured, bioburden
level.
is expressed as the total count of bacterial
ETHYLENE OXIDE GAS STERILIZER (EtO):
and fungi colony-forming units per single
Sterilization at relatively low temperatures
item.
possible with ethylene oxide gas. Using a
CENTRAL SERVICE:
A department in the
heated unit at 49C (120F), sterilization can
hospital that provides supplies and
be achieved in 2 - 3 hours.
equipment to patients and medical staff.
PRIMARY STOCK:
Medical supplies stored
Another name for SPD.
within the confines of the SPD Department
CLEANING: The physical removal of debris. It
SECONDARY STOCK: Medical supplies stored
has two major effects. First, it results in a
in user areas such as wards, clinics, nursing
reduction in the number of microorganisms
care units, and intensive care units.
present. Second, it removes organic matter,
STERILIZATION: The process which destroys
such as blood and tissue, and other debris,
all types and forms of microorganisms,
which may interfere with sterilization or
including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and
disinfection.
bacterial endospores.
VA Design Guide -- Supply, Processing, & Distribution
Page 7-1
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