Preparation and Packaging Methods Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Preparation and Packaging Methods flashcards as text
A technician is preparing an instrument set in a rigid container. According to ANSI/AAMI ST77, what is the maximum recommended weight for the container, instruments, and any accessories combined?
Answer: 25 pounds
ANSI/AAMI ST77 sets a 25-pound limit on the weight of a containment device, its instruments, and any accessories. This is to ensure that the container can be handled safely by personnel and to facilitate proper sterilant penetration and drying.
When arranging peel pouches in a steam sterilizer, what is the correct orientation to ensure effective sterilization?
Answer: On edge, with the paper side of one pouch facing the paper side of the next.
Peel pouches should be placed on edge in a sterilizer rack. The correct orientation is paper-to-paper and plastic-to-plastic. This arrangement allows for adequate air removal, sterilant penetration, and drying.
The concept of 'event-related sterility' is best described as:
Answer: A package is considered sterile until an event occurs that compromises the integrity of the barrier.
Event-related sterility is the modern standard, stating that a package remains sterile indefinitely unless an 'event' compromises the packaging barrier. Such events include tears, punctures, moisture contamination, or a broken seal.
A surgical instrument tray is being wrapped using the sequential wrapping technique. What does this method involve?
Answer: Using two separate sheets of wrap, applying the first wrap completely before applying the second.
Sequential wrapping involves using two individual sheets of sterilization wrap. The tray is completely wrapped with the first sheet, and then the process is repeated with the second sheet, creating a package within a package.
Which of the following packaging materials is appropriate for use in low-temperature hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization?
Answer: Spunbond polyolefin/plastic pouches (e.g., Tyvek)
Hydrogen peroxide sterilization requires packaging materials that are compatible and allow penetration of the sterilant. Cellulose-based materials like paper and woven textiles absorb the sterilant and are therefore incompatible. Spunbond polyolefin (such as Tyvek) is non-cellulose and designed for use with VHP sterilizers.
When preparing a set containing instruments with lumens, what is a critical step to ensure proper sterilization?
Answer: Keeping the instruments disassembled and any stopcocks open.
To ensure the sterilant can contact all surfaces of a lumened instrument, it is critical that multi-part instruments are disassembled and any stopcocks or valves are in the open position, as per the manufacturer's instructions for use.