Tobias Ch 10 - Sterilization

Question 1

What is the definition of sterilization?

Answer 1

The process of destroying all microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi, and prions) on or in an object.

Question 2

What does SAL stand for in sterilization?

Answer 2

Sterility assurance level

Question 3

What are the three categories of disinfectants?

Answer 3

• High-level disinfectants
• Intermediate-level disinfectants
• Low-level disinfectants

Question 4

What are critical items in sterilization?

Answer 4

Items associated with a high risk for infection if contaminated, such as surgical instruments and catheters.

Question 5

What are semicritical items in sterilization?

Answer 5

Items that come in contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin, such as endotracheal tubes and laryngoscopes.

Question 6

What are noncritical items in sterilization?

Answer 6

Items that contact only intact skin, such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.

Question 7

What is the preferred method for cleaning delicate surgical instruments?

Answer 7

Manual cleaning

Question 8

What is the purpose of using enzymatic cleaners in manual cleaning?

Answer 8

To help loosen blood, tissue, and gross debris.

Question 9

What is TASS?

Answer 9

Toxic anterior segment syndrome, a severe inflammatory process in the anterior chamber following ophthalmic procedures.

Question 10

What is the advantage of mechanical cleaning of surgical instruments?

Answer 10

Facilitates washing and rinsing without the risks of manual cleaning and efficiently removes soil and debris.

Question 11

What is the process used by ultrasonic cleaning devices?

Answer 11

Cavitation, creating minute gas bubbles that implode to remove particles and debris.

Question 12

What materials are commonly used for steam sterilization wrapping?

Answer 12

• Cotton muslin (140-270 count)
• Pima cotton
• Nonwoven paper material
• Paper-plastic pouches
• Reusable woven textiles
• Nonwoven polypropylene fabric
• Plastic pouches
• Polyethylene/Mylar, poly coated paper and uncoated paper (ethylene)

Question 13

What is cold sterilization?

Answer 13

The process of soaking instruments in a disinfectant to achieve acceptable reductions in microbial presence.

Question 14

What is glutaraldehyde commonly used for?

Answer 14

As a chemical disinfectant with reasonable efficacy against bacterial spores.
- Shelf live 14 days ( new - 28-30 d)
- irritant to skin , mm , and decrease pulmonary function

Question 15

What is the typical exposure time and temperature for steam sterilization in gravity-displacement sterilizers?

Answer 15

121°C (250°F) for 30 minutes.

Question 16

What is flash sterilization?

Answer 16

The process of rapidly sterilizing items needed for immediate use, typically at higher temperatures and shorter time cycles.

275 f ( 135* C) for 3 min and 1 min drying

Question 17

What is the danger associated with ethylene oxide?

Answer 17

It is toxic and has carcinogenic, mutagenic, and neurologic hazards.

Question 18

What is ozone sterilization?

Answer 18

A technique that uses ozone ( from O2 and H2O - O3) to oxidize and destroy microorganisms.

Question 19

What is the cycle time for ozone sterilization?

Answer 19

Approximately 4 hours at 30°C to 35°C.
No woven or paper

Question 20

What is the primary material used in plasma sterilization?

Answer 20

Vapor of hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, or a peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide mixture.

Deactivate cell process/ $$$$

45-50 C for 28-75 min

Question 21

What is the sterilization cycle time for vaporized hydrogen peroxide?

Answer 21

30 to 55 minutes.
Low temp

Question 22

What is a key disadvantage of using dry heat for sterilization?

Answer 22

It is less effective than moist heat at a given temperature and requires higher temperatures and longer times.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The minimum effective concentration for high-level disinfection of glutaraldehyde is _______.

Answer 23

1.0% to 1.5%

Question 24

True or False: Immediate-use steam sterilization (flash) is recommended for implants.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

What is Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide used for?

Answer 25

Low-temperature sterilization method for heat- and moisture-sensitive items ## Footnote It is safe for the environment and requires no aeration due to the absence of toxic residues.

Question 26

What is the cycle time for Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization?

Answer 26

30 to 55 minutes ## Footnote This rapid cycle time makes it efficient for sterilization processes.

Question 27

What types of items can Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide not be used for?

Answer 27

Liquids, linens, powders, or cellulose materials ## Footnote Its application is limited to certain materials due to its chemical properties.

Question 28

What are the main uses of Ionizing radiation in sterilization?

Answer 28

Sterilization of surgical items using cobalt 60 gamma rays or electron accelerators ## Footnote This method is typically used in manufacturing entities.

Question 29

What are some concerns associated with ionizing radiation sterilization?

Answer 29

Oxidative damage to polyethylene implants and potential weakening of bone grafts ## Footnote Certain pharmaceuticals may also be damaged during this process.

Question 30

Name two sterilization methods that are not approved or recommended by the FDA.

Answer 30

* Performic acid * Microwave radiation * High-temperature bead sterilizers * Formaldehyde steam ## Footnote These methods may pose risks or lack sufficient evidence of efficacy.

Question 31

What challenges do endoscopes present for cleaning and sterilization?

Answer 31

Small lumens that are difficult to reach and delicate mechanisms that could be damaged ## Footnote These factors complicate the sterilization process.

Question 32

What are the types of sterilization indicators?

Answer 32

* Physical monitors * Chemical indicators * Biological indicators ## Footnote Each type monitors different parameters of the sterilization process.

Question 33

What does a Class 1 chemical indicator signify?

Answer 33

Indicates that a surgical pack has been processed but provides limited information ## Footnote Examples include sterilization tape on the outside of the pack.

Question 34

What specific parameter does a Class 2 indicator test for?

Answer 34

Air removal ## Footnote Known as Bowie-Dick tests, these indicators are crucial for steam sterilization.

Question 35

What organism is used for testing steam sterilization effectiveness?

Answer 35

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores This organism is commonly used in steam, plasma and ozone sterilization testing. — Bacillus atrophaeus spore for ethylene oxide

Question 36

What are the recommended storage conditions for sterilized materials?

Answer 36

Controlled airflow, humidity ( no > 70%) temperature ( no >75 F ) and exposure to the environment ## Footnote Ideal conditions include being dry and out of direct sunlight.

Question 37

How long can small instruments be stored after autoclaving when packaged properly?

Answer 37

At least 96 weeks ## Footnote This applies when they are stored in double-layered linen or plastic-paper envelopes.

Question 38

What is the storage duration for ethylene oxide gas sterilized cloth wrapping materials?

Answer 38

15 to 30 days with cloth 30-60 d with paper 90-100 d plastic wrap 1 year heated plastic wrap

Question 39

What is the storage duration for heat-sealed plastic wrapping materials?

Answer 39

1 year ## Footnote This indicates longer efficacy compared to other wrapping materials.