Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real CIS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization and how does it differ from gas plasma?
Answer: VHP uses H2O2 vapor without plasma generation and can process cellulose-containing materials
VHP uses H2O2 vapor as the direct sterilizing agent without RF energy or plasma, and some VHP systems can process cellulose materials that gas plasma cannot.
What is the role of humidity in ethylene oxide sterilization?
Answer: Adequate humidity hydrates microbial cell walls, making them permeable to ETO penetration
Humidity of 40-80% RH hydrates dried microbial cell walls, restoring permeability so ETO molecules can penetrate and reach their DNA targets.
What is peracetic acid sterilization and what are its primary applications?
Answer: A low-temperature liquid chemical sterilization for immersible heat-sensitive instruments
Peracetic acid uses a dilute solution at low temperatures in a closed automated system for sterilizing immersible, heat-sensitive instruments.
Why is ozone sterilization considered environmentally friendly?
Answer: Ozone is generated from oxygen on-site and decomposes back to oxygen, producing no toxic residues
Ozone is generated on-demand from oxygen, eliminating need to store toxic chemicals. After sterilization, ozone naturally decomposes back to oxygen.
What is sterility assurance level (SAL) and what level is required for medical devices?
Answer: SAL of 10^-6, meaning no more than one in one million probability of a surviving microorganism
Medical devices require SAL 10^-6, meaning statistically no more than one device in one million would have a surviving organism after sterilization.
What factors determine which sterilization method to select for a specific device?
Answer: Material compatibility, device design, manufacturer IFU, turnaround time, and available equipment
Selection considers material compatibility, device design (lumens, electronics), manufacturer IFU, turnaround time, packaging requirements, and available equipment.