CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Steam Sterilization Principles Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What are the three critical parameters that must be achieved for effective steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Time, temperature, and steam quality (saturated steam with direct contact)

Answer

Pressure, colour, and smell

Answer

Weight, volume, and density

Answer

Speed, pressure, and dryness

Question 2

What is the difference between a gravity displacement sterilizer and a prevacuum sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

A gravity displacement sterilizer relies on steam displacing air downward by gravity, while a prevacuum sterilizer uses a vacuum pump to actively remove air before steam admission

Answer

They are identical machines with different names

Answer

Gravity sterilizers are faster than prevacuum sterilizers

Answer

Prevacuum sterilizers do not use steam

Question 3

What is the Bowie-Dick test and why is it performed daily?

Accepted Answer

A specific test for prevacuum sterilizers that verifies adequate air removal from the chamber, performed daily before the first patient load

Answer

A test of the sterilizer's door seal

Answer

A biological indicator test

Answer

A test performed only during annual maintenance

Question 4

Why is the drying phase important in steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Adequate drying prevents wet packs, which compromise the sterile barrier by allowing microbial migration through moisture on the packaging

Answer

Drying makes instruments shine

Answer

Drying is optional and can be skipped to save time

Answer

The drying phase sterilizes the outside of packages

Question 5

What is a biological indicator (BI) and how is it used in steam sterilization monitoring?

Accepted Answer

A preparation of highly resistant bacterial spores (Geobacillus stearothermophilus) used to directly challenge the sterilization process and confirm microbial kill

Answer

A colour-changing tape on the outside of packages

Answer

A pH test of the steam

Answer

A temperature recording device

Question 6

What is the concept of sterility assurance level (SAL) and what SAL is required for medical devices?

Accepted Answer

SAL of 10^-6 is required, meaning the probability of a viable microorganism surviving the sterilization process is no more than one in one million

Answer

SAL measures the weight of a sterile package

Answer

Any SAL above 50% is acceptable

Answer

SAL is only relevant for pharmaceutical products