Sterilization Methods Flashcards
6 cards from real IAHCSMM 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 flashcards as text
What is the recommended minimum sterilization temperature and exposure time for a standard gravity displacement steam sterilization cycle for wrapped instruments?
Answer: 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) for 30 minutes
For wrapped instruments in a gravity displacement sterilizer, the standard cycle is 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) for a minimum of 30 minutes exposure time.
Which material is INCOMPATIBLE with steam sterilization and must be processed using an alternative method?
Answer: Oil-based lubricants and petroleum products
Oil-based lubricants and petroleum products (e.g., mineral oil, petroleum jelly) are incompatible with steam sterilization because steam cannot penetrate oily surfaces to contact and kill microorganisms.
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization is particularly well-suited for which type of instrument?
Answer: Heat- and moisture-sensitive devices such as certain electronic components, cameras, and powered instruments
VHP sterilization operates at low temperatures and is well-suited for heat- and moisture-sensitive devices such as electronic components, powered instruments, and certain cameras.
The primary safety concern with ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is:
Answer: EO is a carcinogen and toxic gas requiring strict ventilation, monitoring, and aeration protocols
Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and toxic gas; strict controls including ventilation, personal air monitoring, and mandatory aeration cycles are required to protect workers and patients.
Which statement BEST describes immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS)?
Answer: An emergency sterilization method used only when there is insufficient time to use wrapped, terminally sterilized items and specific criteria are met
IUSS (formerly called flash sterilization) is an emergency method used only when a needed item is contaminated or unavailable and specific criteria (patient need, no sterile alternative) are met - not for routine sterilization.
What distinguishes a terminal sterilization process from other sterilization approaches?
Answer: Terminal sterilization is performed on the final packaged product in its final container, after which it can be stored and distributed
Terminal sterilization is performed on the product in its final packaging so that it can be stored, transported, and used while maintaining sterility.