Sterilization Methods and Monitoring Flashcards
6 cards from real HSPA 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 and Monitoring flashcards as text
What is the correct procedure when a BI tests positive?
Answer: Quarantine all items from suspect load, recall distributed items, investigate cause, reprocess, and document
A positive BI triggers immediate quarantine, recall, investigation, reprocessing, and documentation.
What is the difference between gravity displacement and prevacuum sterilization?
Answer: Gravity relies on steam pushing air down; prevacuum uses mechanical vacuum to actively remove air
Gravity uses passive air displacement; prevacuum uses active vacuum extraction for more thorough air removal.
How should sterilizer maintenance be managed?
Answer: Preventive maintenance with scheduled inspections, calibration, and cleaning per manufacturer, all documented
Comprehensive preventive maintenance prevents failures and is required for regulatory compliance.
What is parametric release in sterilization?
Answer: Releasing items based solely on verified physical parameters without waiting for BI results
Parametric release uses verified physical parameters rather than biological testing for load release.
What can cause sterilization failure even when the sterilizer functions correctly?
Answer: Improper loading, packaging errors, inadequate cleaning, or trapped air from loading errors
Operator-dependent factors cause many sterilization failures despite proper equipment function.
What are the monitoring requirements for low-temperature sterilization methods?
Answer: Method-specific physical monitoring, chemical indicators, and biological indicators using the appropriate test organism
Each method requires specific monitoring tools matched to its parameters.