Chapter 12 Terminology

Question 1

Assembly area

Answer 1

A clean area of the Central Service department where instrument inspection, assembly and packaging are performed. The assembly area is sometimes called the Preparation and Packaging (prep and pack) area.

Question 2

Super heating

Answer 2

Super heating steam occurs when dry steam becomes too hot compared to saturated steam. Dry steam rises to a temperature higher than the boiling point of saturated steam. This commonly occurs when dehydrated linen is processed in a steam sterilizer. Due to the lack of moisture,dry steam is not an effective sterilant and will often char or burn items in the sterilizer.

Question 3

Wicking material

Answer 3

An approved absorbent material that allows for air removal and steam penetration, and facilitates drying

Question 4

Chemical indicators (Cls)

Answer 4

Devices used to monitor the presence or attainment of one or more of the parameters required for a satisfactory sterilization process

Question 5

Process challenge device (PCD)

Answer 5

Object that simulates a predetermined set of conditions when used to test sterilizing agent(s)

Question 6

Tamper-evident seals

Answer 6

Sealing methods for sterile packaging that allow users to determine if the packaging has been opened. Tamper-evident seals allow users to determine if packages have been opened (contaminated) and help users identify packages that are not safe for patient use.

Question 7

Muslin

Answer 7

Broad term describing wide variety of plain-weave cotton or cotton/polyester fabrics with approximately 140 threads per square inch.

Question 8

Rigid container system

Answer 8

Instrument containers that hold medical devices during sterilization and also protect devices from contamination during storage and transport.

Question 9

Wet pack

Answer 9

Package or container with moisture after the sterilization process is completed.

Question 10

Sterility (time-related)

Answer 10

A package is considered sterile until a specific expiration date is reached.

Question 11

Sterility (event-related)

Answer 11

Items are considered sterile unless the integrity of the packaging is compromised (damaged) or suspected of being compromised (damaged), regardless of the sterilization date. This is sometimes referred to as ERS.