MDRAO Sterilization Methods and Monitoring 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

121°C for 15 minutes

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 7953)

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Air removal efficiency and steam penetration into porous loads

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO Sterilization Methods and Monitoring 2