Question

Walter is your coworker, and is a bit confused as to what type and level of infection control he must employ in cleaning tools, as he has been asked to do by your manager, Carlos. Walter tells you, "I have no idea what to do. Carlos told me to clean these tools and then make sure I use the highest level of infection control so that I completely destroy EVERYTHING." As Walter's coworker, what level of infection control should you recommend that he use, and why?

a) Walter should sterilize the tools, because that will destroy all microbial life.

b) Walter should disinfect the tools, because that will destroy all harmful organisms.

c) Walter should sanitize the tools, because that will greatly reduce the number of disease-causing germs.

d) Walter should clean the tools with soap and water, because that will remove all visible dirt.

Answer 1

Walter should use sterilization for cleaning tools because it is the highest level of infection control, ensuring the complete destruction of all microbes, as requested by their manager, Carlos.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since Carlos has requested the highest level of infection control which would destroy EVERYTHING, the appropriate recommendaction for Walter would be sterilization. This process involves complete removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses, ensuring that the tools are free from any potentially infectious agents. Sterilization can be accomplished physically through high heat and pressure or chemically with sterilants. In the context of infection control, disinfection and sanitization are insufficient as they do not ensure the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life; instead, they aim to reduce the microbial load to safe levels or remove enough microbes to achieve levels deemed safe for public health, respectively.