Sterilization Methods Flashcards

What is the purpose of the Bowie-Dick test in steam sterilization?

Answer: To verify air removal and steam penetration in prevacuum sterilizers

The Bowie-Dick test verifies adequate air removal and uniform steam penetration in prevacuum (dynamic air removal) steam sterilizers.

Low-temperature sterilization using ozone works primarily through which mechanism?

Answer: Oxidation of cellular components

Ozone sterilization destroys microorganisms through oxidation of cellular components including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

The sterilization assurance level (SAL) for medical devices is defined as a probability of not more than:

Answer: 1 in 1,000,000

The SAL for sterile medical devices is 10⁻⁶, meaning no more than a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of a viable microorganism remaining.

Which type of chemical indicator changes color based on exposure to specific sterilization parameters?

Answer: Class 5 — integrating indicators

Class 5 integrating indicators react to all critical parameters (time, temperature, and sterilant) and are designed to correlate with biological indicator performance.

What minimum aeration time is typically required after EtO sterilization at ambient room temperature (20°C)?

Answer: 7 days

At room temperature (20°C), EtO-sterilized items require approximately 7 days of aeration to reduce residual EtO to safe levels.

Which statement correctly describes the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Answer: Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life; disinfection reduces but may not eliminate all microorganisms

Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including spores, while disinfection reduces microbial counts but may not eliminate all forms.

Formaldehyde-based low-temperature sterilization is classified as which level of germicide?

Answer: Sporicide and sterilant

Formaldehyde at appropriate concentrations and exposure times is classified as a sporicide and sterilant capable of achieving sterilization.