Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the primary advantage of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization over ETO for endoscope reprocessing?
Answer: No toxic residuals requiring aeration after the cycle
Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization leaves no toxic residuals, eliminating the lengthy aeration period required after ETO sterilization.
Which sterilization method requires a mandatory aeration period after the cycle to remove toxic residuals before instruments can be used on patients?
Answer: Ethylene oxide (ETO)
ETO sterilization requires a post-cycle aeration period because ETO and its byproducts (ethylene chlorohydrin, ethylene glycol) are toxic and must off-gas from materials before patient contact.
What is the primary mechanism by which ethylene oxide (ETO) achieves sterilization of microorganisms?
Answer: Alkylation of DNA, RNA, and proteins disrupting cellular function
ETO sterilizes by alkylating the nucleic acids and proteins of microorganisms, which prevents cellular replication and kills all forms of microbial life.
The STERRAD sterilization system manufactured by ASP uses which sterilant as its primary active agent?
Answer: Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
The STERRAD system uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide combined with low-temperature plasma to achieve sterilization of heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments.
What is the typical temperature range used during an ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization cycle?
Answer: 37–55°C (98–131°F)
ETO sterilization operates at low temperatures (37–55°C), making it suitable for heat-sensitive endoscopes that cannot withstand steam autoclave temperatures.
Which liquid chemical sterilant system uses peracetic acid as its active ingredient to achieve sterilization of flexible endoscopes?
Answer: STERIS System 1E
The STERIS System 1E uses peracetic acid as the active sterilant and provides liquid chemical sterilization for heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes at the point of use.
Which endoscope characteristic renders it INCOMPATIBLE with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (STERRAD) sterilization?
Answer: Lumens with an internal diameter less than 1mm or length-to-diameter ratio exceeding manufacturer limits
Long, narrow lumens restrict hydrogen peroxide diffusion and plasma penetration, resulting in inadequate sterilant contact and potential sterilization failure.