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Questions and Answers
When should sterilizer recording charts and/or printouts be checked?
When should sterilizer recording charts and/or printouts be checked?
During and at the end of each cycle
Where can information about specific load contents be obtained in the event of a load recall?
Where can information about specific load contents be obtained in the event of a load recall?
The Sterilization Log
If a sterilizer has successfully killed all the bacterial spores in a biological test, it is called a positive test.
If a sterilizer has successfully killed all the bacterial spores in a biological test, it is called a positive test.
False
What are the two most common temperatures used in steam sterilization?
What are the two most common temperatures used in steam sterilization?
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What are tests which use live bacterial spores to challenge the efficacy of the sterilization process called?
What are tests which use live bacterial spores to challenge the efficacy of the sterilization process called?
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What must be increased to elevate the temperature in a steam sterilizer?
What must be increased to elevate the temperature in a steam sterilizer?
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Bowie Dick Tests should be run in which type of sterilizers?
Bowie Dick Tests should be run in which type of sterilizers?
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What do chemical indicators provide?
What do chemical indicators provide?
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What is the recommended exposure time for a Dry Heat sterilization load at 320 degrees Fahrenheit?
What is the recommended exposure time for a Dry Heat sterilization load at 320 degrees Fahrenheit?
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Which sterilization quality assurance measurement provides a written record of sterilizer cycle activity?
Which sterilization quality assurance measurement provides a written record of sterilizer cycle activity?
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What is the spore used in the testing of steam sterilization?
What is the spore used in the testing of steam sterilization?
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What does the term 'superheated steam' refer to?
What does the term 'superheated steam' refer to?
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What is the amount of time that it takes to kill 90% of microorganisms called?
What is the amount of time that it takes to kill 90% of microorganisms called?
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What method can be used to sterilize impregnated gauze strips?
What method can be used to sterilize impregnated gauze strips?
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What is the most efficient type of dry heat sterilizer?
What is the most efficient type of dry heat sterilizer?
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How frequently should a sterilizer's strainer be removed and cleaned?
How frequently should a sterilizer's strainer be removed and cleaned?
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When loading a steam sterilizer, how should items with solid bottoms be placed?
When loading a steam sterilizer, how should items with solid bottoms be placed?
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Paper/plastic sterilization pouches should be placed inside of wrapped sets or containers.
Paper/plastic sterilization pouches should be placed inside of wrapped sets or containers.
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The higher the bioburden on an object, the easier it will be to sterilize.
The higher the bioburden on an object, the easier it will be to sterilize.
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What type of process do instrument washer sterilizers provide?
What type of process do instrument washer sterilizers provide?
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Study Notes
High Temperature Sterilization Overview
- Sterilizer recording charts and printouts are critical to check during and at the end of each sterilization cycle to ensure efficacy.
- In the event of a load recall, specific load contents can be accessed through the Sterilization Log, which is essential for traceability.
Biological Testing
- A successful sterilizer that kills all bacterial spores is confirmed through a NEGATIVE test in biological assessments.
- Biological tests utilize live bacterial spores to directly measure the lethality and effectiveness of the sterilization process.
Steam Sterilization Conditions
- Common steam sterilization temperatures are 250°F and 270-275°F, which are crucial for achieving effective sterilization.
- To elevate the temperature in a steam sterilizer, steam pressure must be increased.
Testing Methods
- Bowie Dick Tests should be conducted specifically in dynamic-air-removal steam sterilizers to assess air removal and steam penetration.
- Chemical indicators serve to visually confirm that items have undergone a sterilization process.
Dry Heat Sterilization
- Recommended exposure time for dry heat sterilization at 320°F (160°C) is approximately 2 hours, ensuring effective sterilization of instruments.
- Dry heat sterilization can utilize impregnated gauze strips effectively for sterilization.
Quality Assurance Measurements
- Mechanical recording charts and printouts provide a written record of sterilizer cycle activity, ensuring compliance and quality assurance in sterilization processes.
- Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard for testing steam sterilization efficacy.
Sterilization Techniques
- The concept of superheated steam refers to dry steam, essential for certain sterilization processes.
- The D-value is defined as the duration required to kill 90% of microorganisms on an object, which is pivotal in determining control measures.
Operational Guidelines
- Mechanical convection sterilizers are recognized as the most efficient type for dry heat sterilization, providing optimal conditions for sterilizing instruments.
- Strainers in sterilizers should be cleaned daily to maintain operational efficiency and prevent contamination.
- When loading steam sterilizers, items with solid bottoms should be placed on edge to ensure steam circulation.
Best Practices for Sterilization Pouches
- Paper/plastic sterilization pouches should not be included inside wrapped sets or containers to avoid compromising sterilization efficacy.
- A higher bioburden on an object directly correlates with increased difficulty in achieving sterilization, highlighting the need for thorough cleaning prior to sterilization.
- Instrument washer sterilizers primarily provide a decontamination process rather than sterilization, underscoring their role in the overall cleaning and preparation workflow.
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Description
Test your knowledge of high-temperature sterilization concepts with this CRCST Chapter 15 review quiz. This quiz includes key terms and definitions related to sterilization processes and record-keeping. Enhance your understanding and readiness for the certification exam.
