Sterilization and Infection Control Equipment Flashcards
7 cards from real CBET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sterilization and Infection Control Equipment flashcards as text
Which biological indicator organism is used to validate ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization cycles?
Answer: Bacillus atrophaeus
Bacillus atrophaeus spores are the standard biological indicator for EtO sterilization validation.
A steam autoclave fails its Bowie-Dick test. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Air entrapment in the chamber
The Bowie-Dick test detects air removal failures; a failed test indicates residual air is preventing steam penetration.
What is the primary advantage of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization over EtO?
Answer: No toxic residuals requiring aeration
Hydrogen peroxide plasma leaves no toxic residuals, eliminating the lengthy aeration period required after EtO sterilization.
Which parameter is NOT directly monitored during a standard steam sterilization cycle?
Answer: Humidity
Standard steam sterilization monitoring focuses on temperature, pressure, and time; humidity is a critical parameter for EtO, not steam cycles.
An ultrasonic cleaner used for pre-sterilization cleaning operates primarily through which mechanism?
Answer: Acoustic cavitation
Ultrasonic cleaners work via acoustic cavitation, where rapidly forming and collapsing bubbles dislodge debris from instrument surfaces.
When performing a spore test on a tabletop autoclave, how often does AAMI recommend routine biological monitoring?
Answer: Weekly
AAMI ST55 recommends at minimum weekly spore testing for tabletop steam sterilizers used in healthcare settings.
Which type of packaging material is incompatible with hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization?
Answer: Paper/cellulose-based wraps
Cellulose-based materials absorb hydrogen peroxide, depleting the sterilant and causing cycle failures in plasma sterilizers.