Sterilization Methods Flashcards

A flash (IUSS) steam sterilization cycle is MOST appropriate for which scenario?

Answer: Emergency processing of a dropped unwrapped instrument needed immediately

Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) is reserved for emergency situations when an unwrapped instrument is needed immediately and no sterile replacement is available.

What is the minimum temperature required for a gravity displacement steam sterilization cycle for wrapped goods?

Answer: 121°C (250°F)

Gravity displacement steam sterilization for wrapped goods requires a minimum temperature of 121°C (250°F) with appropriate exposure time.

Which organization publishes the ANSI/AAMI ST79 standard that governs steam sterilization practices?

Answer: AAMI

ANSI/AAMI ST79 is published by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and is the primary U.S. standard for steam sterilization.

During vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization, what byproducts are produced at the end of the cycle?

Answer: Water and oxygen

VHP breaks down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) at the end of the cycle, leaving no toxic residues on processed items.

Which condition would INVALIDATE a sterilization load and require reprocessing?

Answer: A wet pack discovered after sterilization

Wet packs indicate that steam condensate has compromised package integrity, potentially contaminating contents, and the load must be considered non-sterile.

Which sterilization method uses a combination of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in a liquid immersion system?

Answer: STERIS System 1E

The STERIS System 1E uses a liquid peracetic acid-based sterilant for immersion sterilization of heat-sensitive items at low temperatures.

What is the recommended biological indicator incubation temperature for EtO sterilization validation?

Answer: 37°C

Bacillus atrophaeus, the biological indicator for EtO sterilization, is incubated at 37°C (98.6°F) for the optimal growth of this mesophilic organism.