Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real CIS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What are the three critical parameters for effective steam sterilization?
Answer: Time, temperature, and pressure with saturated steam
Steam sterilization requires the simultaneous achievement of specific time, temperature, and pressure parameters with saturated steam.
What is the difference between gravity displacement and prevacuum steam sterilizers?
Answer: Gravity relies on steam pushing air out by density, while prevacuum uses vacuum pumps to actively remove air
Gravity sterilizers rely on steam displacing air downward, while prevacuum sterilizers use vacuum pulses to actively evacuate air before steam injection.
What is ethylene oxide sterilization and when is it used?
Answer: A low-temperature chemical gas sterilization for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive items
ETO uses chemical gas at low temperatures (37-63°C) to sterilize items that would be damaged by steam sterilization temperatures.
How does hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization work?
Answer: H2O2 vapor is injected into a vacuum chamber and converted to plasma by RF energy, creating reactive species
H2O2 vapor is injected into a vacuum chamber, then RF energy creates a plasma containing free radicals that destroy microorganisms on surfaces.
What is the purpose of the aeration phase in ETO sterilization?
Answer: To remove toxic ETO residuals from sterilized materials to safe levels
Aeration removes absorbed ETO and its toxic byproducts through controlled heated circulating air, reducing residual levels to below safety limits.
What is immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) and what are its limitations?
Answer: A shortened cycle for emergencies only, with limitations on storage, transport, and monitoring
IUSS is a shortened cycle intended only for emergency situations when no sterile alternative exists. Items cannot be stored and must be transported directly to the point of use.