HSPA Biological and Chemical Indicators 1

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a biological indicator (BI) in sterilization monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To confirm that the sterilization process was lethal to highly resistant bacterial spores, providing the highest level of sterility assurance

Answer

To measure the sterilizer's temperature accuracy

Answer

To verify the wrapping material is sterilization-compatible

Answer

To test the quality of the water supply

Question 2

Which organism is used as the biological indicator for steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Escherichia coli

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 3

Which organism is used as the biological indicator for ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly B. subtilis var. niger)

Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Clostridium sporogenes

Answer

Mycobacterium terrae

Question 4

What is a Class 5 integrating chemical indicator?

Accepted Answer

An internal indicator that responds to all critical parameters of the sterilization cycle and correlates with biological indicator results at stated sterilization conditions

Answer

A simple process indicator that changes color upon exposure to sterilant

Answer

An external label that shows the item was processed

Answer

A test strip that only measures temperature

Question 5

What is the difference between a Class 1 and a Class 4 chemical indicator?

Accepted Answer

Class 1 (process indicator) only distinguishes processed from unprocessed items, while Class 4 (multi-variable indicator) reacts to two or more critical sterilization parameters

Answer

They are identical in function

Answer

Class 4 is placed outside the pack, Class 1 inside

Answer

Class 1 monitors more parameters than Class 4

Question 6

How often should biological indicators be used to monitor steam sterilizers?

Accepted Answer

At least weekly, and with every load containing implantable devices

Answer

Only during annual inspections

Answer

Once per month

Answer

Only when a sterilization failure is suspected