20 Questions
What is the primary goal of sterilization in medical devices?
To completely destroy all microorganisms including bacterial spores
What is a characteristic of ideal sterilization methods?
They have rapid throughput and are easily validated
Which sterilization method uses low temperature and normal pressure?
Dry Heat
What is the approximate cycle time for steam sterilization?
40-60 minutes
Why is it necessary to sterilize all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD)?
To prevent the spread of microorganisms from one patient to another
What is the primary purpose of sterilization in the context of reusable invasive medical devices?
To prevent cross contamination between patients
Which of the following sterilization methods does not use heat?
Ethylene oxide sterilization
What is a common constraint of steam sterilization?
Long cycle time
What is an important consideration for sterilization methods in terms of storage?
Ability to process wrapped items
Which of the following is a key benefit of gas plasma sterilization?
Ambient temperature operation
What is a key difference between steam sterilization and dry heat sterilization?
Moisture requirement
Which of the following sterilization methods is capable of processing wrapped items?
All of the above
What is a common factor among all ideal sterilization methods?
Rapid throughput
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ideal sterilization methods?
Low cost
What is the primary reason for sterilizing reusable invasive medical devices (RMD)?
To prevent infection transmission
What is a key advantage of sterilization methods that utilize low temperature chemical processes?
They do not require high pressure.
Which sterilization method is most similar to a conventional oven?
Dry heat sterilization
What is a common limitation of thermal energy sterilization methods?
They can be slow and take up to 2 hours.
What is a key factor in selecting a sterilization method?
The material to be sterilized.
What is a common benefit of sterilization methods that can process wrapped items?
They reduce the risk of environmental contamination.
Study Notes
Sterilization Definition and Requirements
- Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
- This level of decontamination is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD).
Ideal Sterilization Methods
- Have rapid throughput
- Are easily validated
- Are capable of processing wrapped items to enable storage after processing without the risk of environmental contamination of processed items.
Sterilization Methods
- Steam (moist heat) at high pressure:
- Cycle time: approximately 40-60 minutes
- Dry Heat:
- Similar to an oven
- Uses normal pressure
- Cycle time: up to 2 hours
- 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: not specified
Sterilization Definition and Requirements
- Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
- This level of decontamination is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD).
Ideal Sterilization Methods
- Have rapid throughput
- Are easily validated
- Are capable of processing wrapped items to enable storage after processing without the risk of environmental contamination of processed items.
Sterilization Methods
- Steam (moist heat) at high pressure:
- Cycle time: approximately 40-60 minutes
- Dry Heat:
- Similar to an oven
- Uses normal pressure
- Cycle time: up to 2 hours
- 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: not specified
Sterilization Definition and Requirements
- Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
- This level of decontamination is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD).
Ideal Sterilization Methods
- Have rapid throughput
- Are easily validated
- Are capable of processing wrapped items to enable storage after processing without the risk of environmental contamination of processed items.
Sterilization Methods
- Steam (moist heat) at high pressure:
- Cycle time: approximately 40-60 minutes
- Dry Heat:
- Similar to an oven
- Uses normal pressure
- Cycle time: up to 2 hours
- 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: not specified
Sterilization Definition and Requirements
- Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
- This level of decontamination is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD).
Ideal Sterilization Methods
- Have rapid throughput
- Are easily validated
- Are capable of processing wrapped items to enable storage after processing without the risk of environmental contamination of processed items.
Sterilization Methods
- Steam (moist heat) at high pressure:
- Cycle time: approximately 40-60 minutes
- Dry Heat:
- Similar to an oven
- Uses normal pressure
- Cycle time: up to 2 hours
- 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: not specified
Learn about the principles of sterilization, its importance in reusable medical devices, and the ideal methods for achieving this level of decontamination.
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