Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization Flashcards

Which biological indicator organism is used to test the efficacy of steam sterilization?

Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to moist heat and are the standard BI for steam sterilization.

The term 'strike-through' in sterile packaging refers to:

Answer: Moisture penetrating a sterile wrapper, causing contamination

Strike-through occurs when moisture wicks through a sterile wrapper, creating a pathway for microorganism contamination.

How should a sterile team member respond if their gown becomes wet during a procedure?

Answer: Change the gown immediately

A wet sterile gown is considered contaminated because moisture enables strike-through of microorganisms; the gown must be changed.

Peracetic acid sterilization is most commonly used for which type of instruments?

Answer: Flexible endoscopes and heat-sensitive scopes

Peracetic acid (e.g., STERIS system) is used for immediate-use sterilization of heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes.

A sterile package stored in a sterile storage area has no expiration date label. What should the surgical technologist do?

Answer: Do not use it; return it for reprocessing

All sterile packages must be properly labeled including expiration or sterilization date; unlabeled packages should not be used and must be reprocessed.

What does the term 'event-related sterility' mean?

Answer: A package remains sterile until an event (e.g., damage, moisture) compromises the packaging

Event-related sterility means a package is considered sterile indefinitely as long as the packaging remains intact and uncompromised.

Which personal protective equipment is required when handling items being prepared for EtO sterilization?

Answer: Gloves, gown, and eye protection due to EtO toxicity

EtO is a toxic, carcinogenic gas; handlers must wear gloves, gown, and eye protection to prevent exposure.