IAHCSMM Sterilization Methods & Monitoring 2

Question 1

What does a Class 5 integrating indicator measure?

Accepted Answer

All critical variables: time, temperature, and steam quality

Answer

Presence of steam only

Answer

Time and temperature only

Answer

Biological kill rate directly

Question 2

Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization is best suited for:

Accepted Answer

Heat-sensitive devices with compatible materials (short lumens, non-cellulose)

Answer

Wrapped stainless steel trays

Answer

Long, narrow lumened devices made of cellulose

Answer

Any instrument approved for steam sterilization

Question 3

What is the purpose of load control numbers (lot numbers) on sterilized packages?

Accepted Answer

To enable traceability and facilitate recall if a sterilization failure is identified

Answer

To identify the instrument manufacturer

Answer

To indicate cost center billing

Answer

To record the packaging technician's name

Question 4

What is 'parametric release' in sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Releasing sterilized loads based on documented physical parameters meeting all cycle requirements

Answer

Releasing loads based solely on BI results

Answer

A type of EO monitoring

Answer

A manual inspection of each package

Question 5

What sterilization method uses peracetic acid and is commonly used for heat-sensitive endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

STERIS System 1E (peracetic acid immersion)

Answer

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP)

Answer

Ethylene oxide (EO)

Answer

STERRAD (H2O2 plasma)

Question 6

Why must sterilizer printouts and cycle records be retained?

Accepted Answer

To satisfy Joint Commission and regulatory requirements and provide evidence of process control

Answer

For billing purposes only

Answer

To track technician productivity

Answer

They do not need to be retained