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Questions and Answers
What is the operating temperature of gravity-type steam instrument sterilizers?
What is the operating temperature of gravity-type steam instrument sterilizers?
Which sterilizing method is used for heat-sensitive items such as flexible endoscopes?
Which sterilizing method is used for heat-sensitive items such as flexible endoscopes?
How long do gravity-type steam sterilizers operate typically?
How long do gravity-type steam sterilizers operate typically?
Which of the following is not a step in the Ethylene Oxide process?
Which of the following is not a step in the Ethylene Oxide process?
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What is a significant drawback of using Ethylene Oxide sterilizers?
What is a significant drawback of using Ethylene Oxide sterilizers?
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What is the maximum temperature used in Gas Plasma sterilizers?
What is the maximum temperature used in Gas Plasma sterilizers?
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Which type of sterilizer requires no aeration after the cycle is complete?
Which type of sterilizer requires no aeration after the cycle is complete?
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For which type of instruments is the use of gravity-type steam sterilizers primarily intended?
For which type of instruments is the use of gravity-type steam sterilizers primarily intended?
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What is a characteristic of gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
What is a characteristic of gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
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Which type of sterilizer incorporates a vacuum-assisted air removal stage?
Which type of sterilizer incorporates a vacuum-assisted air removal stage?
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What is the typical sequence of operations in a porous load steam sterilization cycle?
What is the typical sequence of operations in a porous load steam sterilization cycle?
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What type of items are not suitable for gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
What type of items are not suitable for gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
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What does immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) refer to?
What does immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) refer to?
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Which statement about flash sterilization is correct?
Which statement about flash sterilization is correct?
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What determines the drying time at the end of a sterilization cycle?
What determines the drying time at the end of a sterilization cycle?
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What is a drawback of using gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
What is a drawback of using gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
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What is the primary sterilizing agent used in vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization?
What is the primary sterilizing agent used in vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of using dry heat sterilization?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using dry heat sterilization?
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What is NOT a step in the vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycle?
What is NOT a step in the vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycle?
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What type of packaging material is not suitable for use in hydrogen peroxide sterilizers?
What type of packaging material is not suitable for use in hydrogen peroxide sterilizers?
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Which sterilization method requires the longest processing time?
Which sterilization method requires the longest processing time?
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What is a primary advantage of steam sterilization?
What is a primary advantage of steam sterilization?
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Which of the following statements about ozone sterilization is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about ozone sterilization is TRUE?
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What is the sterilization temperature range for ozone sterilization?
What is the sterilization temperature range for ozone sterilization?
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What is the suitable sterilization temperature for IUSS or flash sterilization?
What is the suitable sterilization temperature for IUSS or flash sterilization?
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Which of the following types of items are classified as unsuitable for moist heat sterilizers?
Which of the following types of items are classified as unsuitable for moist heat sterilizers?
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What is a characteristic of ethylene oxide sterilization?
What is a characteristic of ethylene oxide sterilization?
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What is the recommended cycle time for gas plasma sterilization?
What is the recommended cycle time for gas plasma sterilization?
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What is a disadvantage of ethylene oxide sterilization?
What is a disadvantage of ethylene oxide sterilization?
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What is the minimum time for porous load sterilization at 134°C?
What is the minimum time for porous load sterilization at 134°C?
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Which type of sterilizer is deemed unsuitable for long narrow lumened instruments?
Which type of sterilizer is deemed unsuitable for long narrow lumened instruments?
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What is a common requirement for sterilization of heat sensitive reusable medical devices using ethylene oxide?
What is a common requirement for sterilization of heat sensitive reusable medical devices using ethylene oxide?
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Study Notes
Steam Sterilization
- Steam sterilization is commonly used in healthcare settings for medical equipment disinfection.
- Various types of steam sterilizers exist, each suited for specific instruments and applications.
Gravity Displacement Steam Sterilizers
- These sterilizers depend on gravity for air removal, leading to slower steam penetration.
- Not ideal for wrapped items or instruments with channels, as air trapping hinders effective sterilization.
- Suitable for solid metal items like non-complex surgical instruments.
Porous Load (Vacuum Assisted) Steam Sterilizers
- Employ vacuum-assisted air removal prior to steam admission, ensuring efficient steam penetration.
- Cycle involves conditioning (steam entry and air removal), exposure (sterilization at predetermined parameters), exhaust (steam removal and filtered air introduction), and drying.
- Effective for heat-resistant tools, packaged items, and instruments with lumened channels.
Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) or Flash Sterilization
- Primarily used for non-porous, non-hollow, unwrapped instruments, typically in operating rooms.
- Instruments are sterilized quickly (134°C for 3–10 minutes), but emerge wet and very hot.
Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization
- Low-temperature sterilization (37°C or 55°C), suitable for heat-sensitive items.
- Commonly used commercially and in some hospitals, but restricted in some countries due to safety regulations.
- EO is effective for invasive flexible endoscopes, cardiac, and ophthalmic devices, but cycle times are lengthy due to aeration requirements.
Gas Plasma Sterilization
- Another suitable method for heat-sensitive items, including endoscopes and laparoscopic instruments.
- Operates at lower temperatures (45°C to 55°C) than EO, with shorter cycle times (45–75 minutes).
- No post-sterilization aeration is required, as byproducts are nontoxic.
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization
- Utilizes hydrogen peroxide to kill microorganisms through oxidation.
- Cycle times are shorter (28-55 minutes) at lower temperatures (less than 50°C).
- Effective for both lumened and non-lumened instruments, depending on the selected program.
Ozone Sterilization
- A low-temperature sterilization system that eliminates the need for sterilant purchase by generating ozone (O3).
- Cycle takes 4 hours and 30 minutes at 30.8-36 °C.
- Requires manufacturer approval for the medical device to be sterilized.
Dry Heat Sterilization
- Used for glassware, metal items, heat-stable powders, and non-aqueous liquids.
- Operates at normal pressure with cycle times up to 2 hours.
- Suitable for non-aqueous fluids and glassware, but not for heat-sensitive items.
Steam Sterilization Advantages and Disadvantages
Gravity Displacement Steam Sterilizers
- Advantages: Inexpensive, highly effective, rapid process
- Disadvantages: Unsuitable for heat-sensitive items, longer cycle times, items may be packaged
Porous Load Steam Sterilizers
- Advantages: Highly effective, rapid process, no toxic residues
- Disadvantages: Moisture process (moist heat), unsuitable for heat-sensitive items, items may be packaged
IUSS or Flash Sterilization
- Advantages: Rapid process
- Disadvantages: Moisture process (moist heat), unsuitable for heat-sensitive items, items cannot be wrapped
Gas Plasma Sterilization
- Advantages: Suitable for heat-sensitive devices, short cycle time, non-cellulose wrapping materials
- Disadvantages: May not be suitable for long, narrow lumens
Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization
- Advantages: Suitable for heat-sensitive reusable medical devices, extremely penetrative suitable for lumened devices, items can be wrapped, dry process, non-damaging
- Disadvantages: Equipment is expensive, lengthy cycle with aeration and validation, ethylene oxide gas is toxic, explosive and flammable, separate accommodation is recommended, lengthy aeration required to remove toxic residues
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization
- Advantages: Non-toxic
- Disadvantages: Cellulose-containing packaging material cannot be used
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Description
This quiz explores various steam sterilization methods used in healthcare settings for effective disinfection of medical equipment. It covers gravity displacement and vacuum-assisted steam sterilizers, detailing their mechanisms and best use cases. Test your knowledge on the principles and applications of steam sterilization.
