Sterilization Methods and Monitoring Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Sterilization Methods and Monitoring flashcards as text
What action must be taken if a biological indicator (BI) in a sterilizer load tests positive (shows growth) after processing?
Answer: Immediately recall all items from that load, reprocess them, and investigate the sterilizer failure
A positive BI indicates a potential sterilization failure. All items from that load must be recalled and reprocessed, the sterilizer taken out of service, and a thorough investigation conducted.
In ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization, why is an aeration period required after the sterilization cycle?
Answer: To degas toxic EO residuals from the instruments and packaging before they are safe to use
EO is a highly toxic and carcinogenic gas. After EO sterilization, items must undergo a mandatory aeration period (12–48+ hours) in a dedicated aerator to remove residual EO to safe levels before patient use.
What is the purpose of a load control number on a sterilized package?
Answer: To identify the sterilizer, cycle number, and date for traceability and recall purposes
The load control number provides full traceability — it identifies the specific sterilizer, load number, and date, allowing efficient recall of all items from a failed sterilization cycle.
Dry heat sterilization differs from steam sterilization primarily in which way?
Answer: Dry heat uses higher temperatures and longer times and is appropriate for moisture-sensitive but heat-stable items like oils and powders
Dry heat sterilization requires higher temperatures (160–180°C) and longer exposure times than steam because heat transfer by conduction is less efficient than by moist heat. It is used for oils, powders, and anhydrous materials that cannot be exposed to moisture.
According to CSA Z314, when must implantable devices be quarantined after sterilization?
Answer: Until biological indicator results are confirmed as negative (no growth), typically 24–48 hours
Implantable devices must be quarantined until biological indicator results are confirmed negative. Because implants remain in the body indefinitely, the stakes of a sterilization failure are highest, justifying the wait for BI results.
What is the function of a sterilizer maintenance log, and how often should sterilizers undergo preventive maintenance?
Answer: Maintenance logs record all services, repairs, and PM activities; sterilizers require annual PM per manufacturer specifications and CSA Z314
Maintenance logs are mandatory documentation recording all repairs, services, and preventive maintenance. CSA Z314 requires that sterilizers undergo preventive maintenance per manufacturer specifications, typically annually or more frequently.