Methods of Sterilization

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Questions and Answers

Which physical method of sterilization uses autoclaving?

  • Radiation Sterilization
  • Moist Heat (correct)
  • Filtration
  • Dry Heat

What gas is often used for sterilizing heat-sensitive items?

  • Chlorine Dioxide
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Peracetic Acid
  • Ethylene Oxide (EtO) (correct)

Dry Heat sterilization is effective for moist materials.

False (B)

What method uses gamma rays or electron beams for sterilization?

<p>Ionizing Radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Plasma sterilization utilizes _____ vapor that is converted to plasma.

<p>hydrogen peroxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of low temperature sterilization methods?

<p>Requires specific conditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does vaporized hydrogen peroxide break down into after sterilization?

<p>Water and oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of sterilization is compatible with many materials and acts quickly?

<p>Hydrogen Peroxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Autoclaving

A moist heat sterilization method using high-pressure steam at 121°C for 15-20 minutes to kill microorganisms.

Dry heat sterilization

A physical sterilization method using hot air ovens at 160-180°C for 1-2 hours to kill microorganisms in moisture-sensitive materials.

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilization

A chemical sterilization method using EtO gas to sterilize heat-sensitive items; it requires thorough aeration afterwards.

Low Temperature Sterilization

Using processes below 60°C to sterilize heat sensitive materials.

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Ionizing Radiation Sterilization

Sterilization process using gamma rays or electron beams to damage microbial DNA.

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Plasma Sterilization

Sterilizing using hydrogen peroxide plasma at low temperatures.

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Sterilization

The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life (including spores).

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Heat-sensitive material

Materials that can be damaged by high temperatures during sterilization.

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Study Notes

Methods of Sterilization

  1. Physical Methods

    • Heat Sterilization
      • Moist Heat: Involves autoclaving (121°C for 15-20 mins) which kills microorganisms through protein denaturation.
      • Dry Heat: Uses hot air ovens (160-180°C for 1-2 hours) for sterilizing materials that may be damaged by moisture.
    • Radiation Sterilization
      • Ionizing Radiation: Uses gamma rays or electron beams to damage microbial DNA.
      • Non-Ionizing Radiation: UV light is effective for surface sterilization but has limited penetration.
    • Filtration
      • Uses membranes to remove microorganisms from liquids and air. Effective for heat-sensitive solutions like antibiotics.
  2. Chemical Methods

    • Ethylene Oxide (EtO): Gas used for sterilizing heat-sensitive items; effective at low temperatures. Requires aeration post-treatment to remove residual gas.
    • Hydrogen Peroxide: Vaporized hydrogen peroxide is effective for thermolabile instruments and surfaces.
    • Peracetic Acid: Effective for sterilizing surgical instruments and medical devices; often used in liquid form.
  3. Plasma Sterilization

    • Utilizes hydrogen peroxide vapor that is converted to plasma. Effective at low temperatures and suitable for heat-sensitive items.

Low Temperature Sterilization

  • Definition: Sterilization processes that occur at temperatures lower than 60°C, suitable for heat-sensitive materials.

  • Methods

    1. Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilization

      • Suitable for heat-sensitive instruments.
      • Provides thorough penetration and is effective against spores.
      • Requires careful handling and adequate aeration to eliminate toxicity.
    2. Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization

      • Gaseous or vaporized form is utilized.
      • Acts quickly and is compatible with many materials.
      • Breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no toxic residues.
    3. Plasma Sterilization

      • Involves using hydrogen peroxide vapor and transforming it into plasma with low temperature.
      • Rapid cycle times and no toxic residuals.
  • Applications

    • Common in healthcare settings for sterilizing surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other heat-sensitive items.
  • Limitations

    • Requires specific conditions (humidity, temperature) for effectiveness.
    • Not suitable for all materials (e.g., certain plastics may be degraded).

Methods of Sterilization

Physical Methods

  • Heat Sterilization

    • Moist Heat: Autoclaving at 121°C for 15-20 minutes effectively denatures proteins, killing microorganisms.
    • Dry Heat: Utilizes hot air ovens at 160-180°C for 1-2 hours, suitable for moisture-sensitive materials.
  • Radiation Sterilization

    • Ionizing Radiation: Employs gamma rays or electron beams to damage microbial DNA, effectively sterilizing materials.
    • Non-Ionizing Radiation: UV light sterilizes surfaces, though penetration is limited.
  • Filtration:

    • Employs membrane filters to remove microorganisms from liquids and air, especially useful for heat-sensitive solutions like antibiotics.

Chemical Methods

  • Ethylene Oxide (EtO):

    • A gas used for sterilizing heat-sensitive items; requires low-temperature application and aeration to remove residuals post-treatment.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide:

    • Vaporized form sterilizes thermolabile instruments and surfaces without leaving toxic residues.
  • Peracetic Acid:

    • Liquid form effectively sterilizes surgical instruments and medical devices.

Plasma Sterilization

  • Utilizes vaporized hydrogen peroxide converted into plasma, enabling sterilization at low temperatures, ideal for heat-sensitive materials.

Low Temperature Sterilization

  • Definition: Processes that sterilize at temperatures below 60°C, suitable for heat-sensitive materials.

  • Methods

    • Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilization:

      • Ensures thorough penetration effective against spores; requires careful handling and adequate aeration for safety.
    • Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization:

      • Fast-acting and compatible with various materials, decomposes into water and oxygen, leaving no toxic residues.
    • Plasma Sterilization:

      • Converts hydrogen peroxide vapor to plasma with rapid cycle times and no toxic residuals.
  • Applications:

    • Widely used in healthcare to sterilize surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other delicate heat-sensitive items.
  • Limitations:

    • Requires specific conditions (humidity and temperature) for optimal effectiveness; not all materials are suitable, as some plastics may be degraded.

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