SPD Sterilization Methods and Monitoring 2

Question 1

What are the two main types of steam sterilizers used in healthcare facilities?

Accepted Answer

Gravity-displacement and dynamic-air-removal (pre-vacuum) steam sterilizers

Answer

Gravity-displacement and pre-vacuum are the two primary steam sterilizer types, differing in how they remove air from the chamber.

Question 2

What is ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

A low-temperature gas sterilization method for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive devices

Answer

ETO is a low-temperature gas sterilant for devices that would be damaged by the heat and moisture of steam sterilization.

Question 3

How does hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization work?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide vapor is injected into a vacuum chamber and energized into a plasma state, then breaks down into water and oxygen

Answer

H2O2 gas plasma sterilizes at low temperatures through vapor-phase killing plus plasma activation, leaving only harmless water and oxygen.

Question 4

What are the three types of sterilization monitoring and what does each verify?

Accepted Answer

Physical monitoring verifies cycle parameters, chemical monitoring confirms sterilant exposure, and biological monitoring proves lethality to microorganisms

Answer

Physical checks the machine worked, chemical confirms exposure occurred, and biological proves killing happened.

Question 5

What is immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) and when is it appropriate?

Accepted Answer

IUSS is an abbreviated cycle used only in urgent situations when a properly sterilized item is not available and patient safety requires immediate access

Answer

IUSS is reserved for urgent, unplanned situations and should never be used as a routine method or to compensate for insufficient inventory.

SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Test

SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Test

SPD Sterilization Methods and Monitoring 2