Steam and Sterilisation Flashcards
why is steam used for sterilisation
carries massive amount of energy
non-toxic component of sterilisation process
can be recondensed and used again
main ingredient is water which is readily available
no waste product except water
what type of steam is used for sterilisation
purified water - de-ionoised, distilled, sterile
what is purified water
water that has had organics, minerals and microorganisms removed beforehand
what are the three main types of steriliser
type N, type B and type S
what is a type N steriliser
the most basic process
also referred to as a gravity displacement steriliser or autoclave
what is a type B steriliser
most robust processing cycle
referred to as vacuum capable or porous load steriliser
when can you not use a type N sterilser
for wrapped instruments or channelled or lumened instruments
what temperature must the type N steriliser meet
134-137 degrees
how long must a temperature of 134-137 be maintained in the type N steriliser for
3 mins
what is different about the type B steriliser
air is removed from the chamber first and a vacuum is created
has capability of sterilising wrapped instruments and lumened instruments
what temperature must the type B steriliser achieve
134-137 degrees and be held for a minimum of 3 mins
what occurs in a type S steriliser
washes and lubricates handpieces as well as sterilising them
daily testing of sterilisers
door seals are intact and free from debris
chamber is free from damage, debris and contamination
check condition of load carrier
fill and drain the feedwater reservoir
drain the used water reservoid
what are the tests specific to type B sterilisers
daily - steam penetration test using a Bowie dick test pack
weekly - air leakage test and air detector function test
what device is used when carrying out a steam penetration test on a type B steriliser
bowie dick test
