mod 10.pdf

MODULE 10 SERILIZATIO Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms including bacterial spores. This level of decontamination is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD). Ideally, sterilization methods: Have rapid throughput Are easily validated Are capable of p...

MODULE 10 SERILIZATIO Sterilization is the complete destruction of microorganisms including bacterial spores. This level of decontamination is required for all reusable invasive medical devices (RMD). Ideally, 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 is most commonly achieved by using either thermal energy (heat) or low temperature chemical processes with the following 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 Gas plasma at ambient temperature—cycle time 45–75 minutes Ethylene Oxide (EO) at sub- atmospheric or high pressure1 Low temperature steam and formaldehyde vapor—cycle time