10 Questions
What is the primary goal of sterilization?
To completely destroy all microorganisms including bacterial spores
What is a characteristic of an ideal sterilization method?
Rapid throughput to increase efficiency
Which of the following sterilization methods uses high pressure?
Steam
What is a benefit of steam sterilization?
It allows for wrapped items to be stored after processing
What is the approximate cycle time for gas plasma sterilization?
45-75 minutes
What is the main reason why sterilization is required for all reusable invasive medical devices?
To completely eliminate microorganisms, including bacterial spores
Which of the following sterilization methods is most similar to an oven in terms of its operating principle?
Dry heat sterilization
What is the advantage of using low temperature steam and formaldehyde vapor sterilization?
It is gentler on devices than other sterilization methods
Which of the following sterilization methods is typically used at sub-atmospheric or high pressure?
Ethylene oxide sterilization
What is the primary benefit of using steam sterilization over other methods?
Capability to process wrapped items
Study Notes
Sterilization
- Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
- It is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD).
Ideal Sterilization Methods
- Should have rapid throughput.
- Should be easily validated.
- Should be capable of processing wrapped items to enable storage after processing without the risk of environmental contamination.
Sterilization Methods
Thermal Energy Methods
- Steam (moist heat) at high pressure: cycle time approximately 40–60 minutes.
- Dry Heat, similar to an oven, using normal pressure: cycle time up to 2 hours.
Low Temperature Methods
- Gas plasma at ambient temperature: cycle time 45–75 minutes.
- Ethylene Oxide (EO) at sub-atmospheric or high pressure.
- Low temperature steam and formaldehyde vapor: cycle time varies.
Sterilization
- Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
- It is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD).
Ideal Sterilization Methods
- Should have rapid throughput.
- Should be easily validated.
- Should be capable of processing wrapped items to enable storage after processing without the risk of environmental contamination.
Sterilization Methods
Thermal Energy Methods
- Steam (moist heat) at high pressure: cycle time approximately 40–60 minutes.
- Dry Heat, similar to an oven, using normal pressure: cycle time up to 2 hours.
Low Temperature Methods
- Gas plasma at ambient temperature: cycle time 45–75 minutes.
- Ethylene Oxide (EO) at sub-atmospheric or high pressure.
- Low temperature steam and formaldehyde vapor: cycle time varies.
This quiz covers the principles of sterilization in medical devices, including the required level of decontamination and ideal methods for processing reusable invasive medical devices.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
