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Sterilization Methods and Monitoring Flashcards

6 cards from real MDRAO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the minimum exposure time and temperature required for a gravity displacement steam sterilizer (autoclave) cycle for wrapped instruments?

    Answer: 121°C for 15 minutes

    Gravity displacement steam sterilizers require a minimum of 121°C for 15 minutes for wrapped items to achieve sterilization. Pre-vacuum cycles can use higher temperatures for shorter times.

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

    Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 7953)

    Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (ATCC 7953) are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization due to their high resistance to moist heat.

  3. What does a Bowie-Dick test detect in a pre-vacuum steam sterilizer?

    Answer: Air removal efficiency and steam penetration into porous loads

    The Bowie-Dick test specifically evaluates air removal and steam penetration in pre-vacuum sterilizers. Air pockets prevent steam contact with instruments and can cause sterilization failure.

  4. Which type of sterilization is most appropriate for moisture-sensitive and heat-sensitive instruments such as flexible endoscopes?

    Answer: Ethylene oxide (EO) gas or low-temperature hydrogen peroxide plasma

    Low-temperature sterilization methods such as ethylene oxide (EO) gas or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (e.g., STERRAD) are used for moisture-sensitive and heat-sensitive instruments that cannot withstand steam autoclave temperatures.

  5. What is the Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) required for sterile medical devices, and what does this value represent?

    Answer: SAL 10⁻⁶, meaning a 1 in 1,000,000 probability of a viable organism on a device

    Medical devices require a SAL of 10⁻⁶, which means there is a probability of no more than 1 in 1,000,000 that a single viable microorganism remains on a processed device.

  6. Chemical indicators (CIs) used in steam sterilization are classified by class. What does a Class 5 integrating indicator measure?

    Answer: All critical sterilization parameters: time, temperature, and steam quality — performing equivalently to a biological indicator

    Class 5 integrating indicators respond to all critical parameters of the sterilization cycle (time, temperature, steam presence) and are designed to correlate with biological indicator performance.