Sterilisation

Question 1

What are the 3 types of steriliser ?

Answer 1

Type N.
Type B.
Type S.

Question 2

Explain how Type N steriliser works.

Answer 2

Heats water which turns to steam.
Which passively forces air downwards - passive removal of air by gravity - as steam rises and air falls.

Question 3

What are the 2 reasons why a Type N steriliser is not entirely effective ?

Answer 3

Air pockets can be left. Where instruments make contact with air - they are not effectively sterilised as they do not reach the minimum temperature for minimum effective time.

Instruments cannot be wrapped - so are therefore, not sterile at use as they make contact with air on removal from chamber and handling from wrapping.

Question 4

What are the 3 requirements of effective sterilisation in a Type N, Type B and Type S steriliser ?

Answer 4

134-137 degrees.
Corresponding pressure - 2.05-2.35 bar gauge.
Minimum hold time of 3 mins.

Question 5

What can a Type N steriliser be used for ?

Answer 5

Rigid steel/solid instruments - with no pockets, channels or lumens.
Instruments cannot be wrapped either.

Question 6

Explain how Type B steriliser works.

Answer 6

Removes all air from chamber creating vacuum.
Fills chamber with steam - vacuum causes a rush of pressure making sure steam fills all surfaces of the chamber.
Requires drying stage at end of cycle.

Question 7

When can a Type B steriliser be used ?

Answer 7

For wrapped instruments.
Instruments which have lumen, porous or handpiece.

Question 8

What is the name of the daily test specific to Type B sterilisers ?

Answer 8

Steam penetration test.

Question 9

What is used to carry out steam penetration test on Type B steriliser ?

Answer 9

Bowie Dick pack or helix.

Question 10

What is the names of the weekly tests specific to Type B sterilisers ?

Answer 10

Air leakage test and air detector function test (ADFT).

Question 11

What can a Type S steriliser do ?

Answer 11

Wash, lubricate, sterilise handpieces.

Question 12

What is the indications for Type S sterilisation ?

Answer 12

Handpieces - as creates vacuum.
Cannot sterilise wrapped instruments.

Question 13

What are the 5 daily checks which should be carried out for all sterilisers ?

Answer 13

Door seal.
Chamber free from debris.
Condition of load carrier.
Fill and drain feed water reservoir.
Drain used water reservoir.