Sterilization and Disinfection Flashcards
6 cards from real HSPA 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 and Disinfection flashcards as text
What three parameters must be achieved simultaneously for effective steam sterilization?
Answer: Temperature, time, and steam quality (moisture)
Steam sterilization requires correct temperature, adequate exposure time, and proper steam quality simultaneously.
What is the difference between high-level disinfection and sterilization?
Answer: HLD kills all organisms except high numbers of spores; sterilization destroys all forms including spores
HLD eliminates most organisms but not all spores; sterilization achieves complete microbial destruction.
Why must air be removed from the sterilizer chamber?
Answer: Air acts as an insulating barrier preventing steam contact, creating cold spots
Trapped air creates insulating pockets where sterilization temperature is never achieved.
What is the Bowie-Dick test's purpose?
Answer: To verify vacuum system adequately removes air from the chamber
The Bowie-Dick test evaluates the air removal capability of prevacuum sterilizers.
What is immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) and when is it appropriate?
Answer: Emergency shortened cycle when no sterile alternative is available
IUSS is a shortened cycle for emergencies only when no sterile alternative instrument is available.
What is the minimum biological indicator testing frequency for each sterilizer?
Answer: At least weekly, plus every load with implants
BIs should be run at least weekly in each sterilizer and with every implant load.