IAHCSMM Sterilization Methods & Monitoring

Question 1

What is the standard steam sterilization cycle temperature and minimum exposure time for wrapped instruments at prevacuum?

Accepted Answer

134°C (273°F) for 4 minutes

Answer

121°C (250°F) for 30 minutes

Answer

132°C (270°F) for 4 minutes

Answer

121°C (250°F) for 15 minutes

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization over steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Ability to sterilize heat- and moisture-sensitive devices

Answer

Faster cycle times

Answer

Lower cost per cycle

Answer

No aeration period required

Question 3

Which biological indicator (BI) organism is used to test the efficacy of steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus (G. stearothermophilus)

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus (B. atrophaeus)

Answer

Clostridium botulinum

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 4

A Bowie-Dick test is performed to verify:

Accepted Answer

Adequate air removal in prevacuum steam sterilizers

Answer

Biological indicator kill rate

Answer

Chemical indicator color change consistency

Answer

EO gas penetration in chambers

Question 5

How long should a positive biological indicator result be investigated before releasing a recalled load?

Accepted Answer

The load should be recalled immediately upon any positive BI result

Answer

Wait 24 hours then re-test

Answer

Wait for two consecutive negative results before releasing

Answer

Only recall if three consecutive positive results occur

Question 6

What is the minimum aeration time required for EO-sterilized items at room temperature (ambient aeration)?

Accepted Answer

7 days

Answer

4 hours

Answer

8 hours

Answer

12 hours