MDR106 - Disinfection and Sterilization Concepts

Subject Title
Disinfection and Sterilization Concepts

Subject Description
The proper sterilization of medical devices, surgical instruments, supplies and equipment utilized in direct patient care and surgery is a critical aspect of the modern health care delivery system and directly impacts patient safety. Sterilization is a complex process, it's imperative technicians involved in the reprocessing and sterilization of medical devices have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methods of sterilization utilized in today's health care settings. In this course many of these principles will be introduced and common sterilization processes will be compared and evaluated. NOTE: Final exam must be proctored.

Credit Status
One credit toward the Medical Devices Reprocessing Certificate Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe the different methods of sterilization and identify the criteria for choosing the appropriate method sterilization and/or high level disinfection;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the proper operation of the following methods of sterilization: steam (low gravity, pre-vac, flash autoclave), sterrad, steris, and ethylene oxide;
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of high level disinfection and proper operation and use of the pasteurmatic units;
4. Describe and demonstrate the mechanical parameters required for effective sterilization;
5. Describe the monitoring practices (integrator/indicators, Bowie-Disk test, biological tests) and describe the recall procedure for failed loads;
6. Identify the hazards and safety precautions required when handling sterilizer equipment;
7. Identify the risks involved in improper sterilization and describe the impact for the patient and organization;
8. Describe alternate methods of sterilization and/or high level disinfection in the sterile processing department.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.