Questions and Answers
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?
The Sterilization Log
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?
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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?
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Bowie Dick Tests should be run in which type of sterilizers?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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What method can be used to sterilize impregnated gauze strips?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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.
