IAHCSMM Sterilization Methods & Monitoring 3

Question 1

What action should be taken if a sterilizer fails its daily Bowie-Dick test?

Accepted Answer

Take the sterilizer out of service and notify biomedical engineering

Answer

Continue using the sterilizer until a repair technician arrives

Answer

Run one more test cycle and release if it passes

Answer

Increase exposure time and retest

Question 2

Which chemical indicator class is placed inside packages to verify conditions within the package during sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Class 5 or 6 (internal integrating/emulating indicators)

Answer

Class 1 (process indicators)

Answer

Class 2 (Bowie-Dick test indicators)

Answer

Class 3 (single-variable indicators)

Question 3

What is the recommended frequency for biological indicator (BI) testing of steam sterilizers?

Accepted Answer

Daily for all cycles, or with every implant load

Answer

Weekly for routine loads; daily for high-volume facilities

Answer

Monthly unless an implant is included

Answer

Only when a malfunction is suspected

Question 4

Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) should be used:

Accepted Answer

Only when time does not permit using wrapped sterilization and there is no suitable alternative

Answer

As the primary sterilization method for convenience

Answer

For all instruments needing same-day reprocessing

Answer

Routinely for high-turnover ORs

Question 5

What does the term 'sterility assurance level' (SAL) of 10⁻⁶ mean?

Accepted Answer

One in one million chance a viable microorganism remains on a sterilized device

Answer

One in one million chance the sterilant will fail

Answer

The sterilizer achieves a 6-log reduction in one minute

Answer

Six consecutive negative BI results are required

Question 6

What type of sterilization monitoring involves reviewing time, temperature, and pressure charts from each cycle?

Accepted Answer

Physical (mechanical) monitoring

Answer

Biological monitoring

Answer

Chemical monitoring

Answer

Parametric monitoring