Sterilization

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What is the minimum exposure time required at 27 psig and 132°C for effective sterilization in an autoclave using steam under pressure?

15 minutes

27 minutes

20 minutes

3 minutes (correct)

Why are thermocouples the most widely used indicators for evaluating sterilization methods?

They can connect to recorders for continuous monitoring (correct)

They are cheap to produce

They change color under the influence of moisture and heat

They are resistant to the high temperatures of autoclaves

What do wax or chemical pellets used as indicators for autoclave sterilization do at 121°C?

Melt (correct)

Change color

Solidify

Evaporate

Why are biologic indicators like resistant bacterial spores used in sterilization processes?

To provide evidence of the intended effect of sterilization Signup and view all the answers

In autoclave sterilization, what is the purpose of paper strips impregnated with chemicals that change color?

To indicate moisture and heat exposure Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for effective sterilization in an autoclave according to the text?

Steam must reach the innermost recess of the material to be sterilized Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of covering equipment openings with a barrier material after sterilization?

To prevent environmental contamination Signup and view all the answers

Why is dry heat sterilization preferred for powders, containers, and equipment?

It results in sterile and dry equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which materials usually withstand dry heat sterilization without difficulty?

Glass and metal Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action by which microorganisms are killed by moist heat?

Coagulation of proteins of living cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of normal moist heat cycles in terms of sterilization effectiveness?

They do not destroy pyrogens Signup and view all the answers

Why is steam considered to have a greater thermal capacity than hot air in the context of sterilization?

Steam has higher heat conductivity Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the intensity of ultraviolet light in relation to the distance it travels?

It decreases proportionally to the distance squared. Signup and view all the answers

In what types of materials does ultraviolet light penetrate well?

Clean air and pure water. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does ultraviolet light have on the activity of atoms within molecules of microorganisms?

It alters the reactivity of atoms. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the absorption bands for cellular nucleic acids found in the ultraviolet wavelength range?

Within the ultraviolet wavelength range. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for ensuring sterilization when using ultraviolet radiations?

Adequate exposure to the radiations. Signup and view all the answers

How does ultraviolet light affect organisms or their metabolites at the molecular level?

It may result in organism death or inability to reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most reliable thermal method of sterilization according to the text?

Moist heat under pressure Signup and view all the answers

Why can non-aqueous preparations in sealed containers not be sterilized using moist heat during a normal cycle?

Lack of water to generate steam for sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation is commonly used for reducing contamination in the air and on surfaces within a processing environment?

Ultraviolet light Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pharmaceutical preparation can be rendered sterile and remain so indefinitely if in hermetically-sealed containers and subjected to autoclaving?

Aqueous only Signup and view all the answers

Why is moist heat sterilization not applicable to non-aqueous preparations in sealed containers?

Absence of water to generate steam for sterilization Signup and view all the answers

What is emitted almost exclusively at a wavelength of 253.7 nm by mercury vapor lamps?

Germicidal light Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key advantages of using radiation for sterilization?

Enhanced sterilization of medical plastic devices Signup and view all the answers

Why are liquid pharmaceuticals more difficult to sterilize using radiation?

Radiation can impact the vehicle system and drug in the liquid state Signup and view all the answers

What is an important characteristic of filtration sterilization?

It does not involve heat application Signup and view all the answers

Why may individual medical device manufacturers find radiation sterilization challenging?

High cost associated with setting up radiation facilities Signup and view all the answers

What has been successfully sterilized by radiation in the dry state?

Antibiotics, vitamins, and hormones Signup and view all the answers

Why is radiation sterilization becoming a more viable option for medical device manufacturers?

Increasing availability of centers providing contract services Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of BPL vapor for sterilization?

Inability to penetrate surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which type of surfaces are easier to disinfect according to the text?

Hard and smooth Signup and view all the answers

Why are most disinfectants unable to sterilize a surface?

Inability to destroy spores Signup and view all the answers

What factor does the effectiveness of a disinfectant primarily depend on?

Type of microorganisms present Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using chemical disinfectants in the pharmaceutical industry?

To provide aseptic conditions Signup and view all the answers

Why are liquid pharmaceuticals more challenging to sterilize using chemical disinfectants?

Presence of heat-sensitive components Signup and view all the answers

What determines the effectiveness of a disinfectant according to the text?

Number and sensitivity of organisms Signup and view all the answers

'Asepsis can be maintained in a limited, controlled environment' primarily implies the use of disinfectants for what purpose?

'Reducing microbial population' Signup and view all the answers

'The nature and degree of contamination' are key factors affecting the effectiveness of a disinfectant, primarily referring to what in this context?

'Type and quantity of microorganisms' Signup and view all the answers

'Vegetative forms of microorganisms can be expected to be killed' relates to which aspect of disinfectant action?

'Activity against active bacteria only' Signup and view all the answers