Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following items is unsuitable for the IUSS process?
Which of the following items is unsuitable for the IUSS process?
What is the maximum cycle time for a prevacuum assisted steam sterilization process at 134°C?
What is the maximum cycle time for a prevacuum assisted steam sterilization process at 134°C?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of steam sterilization?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of steam sterilization?
What type of biological indicator is used in steam sterilization testing?
What type of biological indicator is used in steam sterilization testing?
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Which of the following tests is performed quarterly according to the recommended sterilizer testing routine?
Which of the following tests is performed quarterly according to the recommended sterilizer testing routine?
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Which sterilization method requires direct contact between the instrument and dry saturated steam?
Which sterilization method requires direct contact between the instrument and dry saturated steam?
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What is the necessary temperature and pressure combination for steam sterilization to effectively kill microorganisms?
What is the necessary temperature and pressure combination for steam sterilization to effectively kill microorganisms?
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Which of the following descriptions fits the IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilizer) method?
Which of the following descriptions fits the IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilizer) method?
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Which type of sterilization is characterized by the absence of assisted air removal?
Which type of sterilization is characterized by the absence of assisted air removal?
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What defines the sterility assurance level (SAL) of 99.9999?
What defines the sterility assurance level (SAL) of 99.9999?
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Study Notes
Sterilization Methods
- Sterilization is the process of destroying all microorganisms and their spores.
- Sterilization methods include thermal (high temperature) and chemical (low temperature) methods.
Thermal Sterilization Methods
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High temperature sterilization uses high temperatures to kill microorganisms.
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Moist heat (steam): Requires direct contact between the instrument and pure, dry, saturated steam; it's suitable for wrapped and unwrapped items.
- Parameters: Steam, 134°C or 121°C, specific time.
- Types: Tabletop sterilizer (used in clinics and dental), Gravity (no assisted air removal, long cycle time), and Prevacuumed assisted methods.
- Immediate Use Steam Sterilizer (IUSS): A fast sterilization method where items are placed in an open tray.
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Dry heat: Suitable for glassware and non-aqueous fluids; can't wrap items.
- Parameters: 160°C for 2 hours, 170°C for 1 hour, or 180°C for 30 minutes.
- Testing: Thermocouple test, biological and chemical indicators.
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Moist heat (steam): Requires direct contact between the instrument and pure, dry, saturated steam; it's suitable for wrapped and unwrapped items.
Chemical Sterilization Methods
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Low temperature sterilization uses chemicals to destroy microorganisms.
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Ethylene oxide (EO): Suitable for heat-sensitive items.
- Requires a high concentration of EO.
- Requires a very long cycle time to allow for adequate aeration.
- Hydrogen peroxide (gas plasma): Suitable for heat-sensitive devices; short cycle time.
- Vaporized hydrogen peroxide: Process destroys microorganisms by oxidation. Suitable for heat-sensitive items; short cycle time.
- Ozone sterilization: Suitable for heat-sensitive items, short cycle.
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Ethylene oxide (EO): Suitable for heat-sensitive items.
Sterilization Testing
- Daily: Bowie-Dick test (air removal test), steam penetration test.
- Weekly: Safety check, vacuum leak test, air detector function test, automatic control test, Bowie-Dick test.
- Quarterly: Thermometric test.
- Yearly: Steam quality test (non-condensable gas, steam superheat, steam dryness).
Chemical Indicators (ISO 11140)
- Type 1: Unit directly exposed to sterilization.
- Type 2: Bowie-Dick test packs.
- Type 3: One critical variable, achieving a specific temperature.
- Type 4: Two or more critical variables.
- Type 5: Responds to all required critical process parameters (ISO 11138).
- Type 6: Responds to all critical process parameters.
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Description
Test your knowledge on sterilization methods and their applications, focusing on both thermal and chemical techniques. Learn about the specifics of high temperature sterilization, including moist heat and dry heat processes, and their parameters. This quiz is essential for understanding sterilization in clinical settings.
