Sterilisation

Question 1

Autoclave use

Answer 1

Adequate spacing
Inlet & exhaust valves not blocked
Distilled water
Instruments free of grease & organic matter

Question 2

Principle of heat sterilisation

Answer 2

Steam applied under pressure for specific time

134c

Question 3

Cold sterilisation, how does it work & principle

Answer 3

Ethylene oxide gas
Inactivated DNA of pathogenic organisms
Adequate temp/time/pressure
As temp increases ability of gas to penetrate increases - shorter cycle

Question 4

Chemical indicator strips

Answer 4

Colour change

Correct temp/pressure/time

Question 5

Browne’s tubes

Answer 5

Colour change (red-green)
Correct temp maintained for specific period of time

Question 6

Bowie-dick tape

Answer 6

Colour change when certain temp reached

Not indicator of sterility

Question 7

Shore tests

Answer 7

Strips of paper impregnated with dried bacterial spores

Following cycle, cultured & incubated for 3 days

Question 8

Principles of packing

Answer 8

Must not damage equipment
Must be resistant to handling damage
Must be permeable to steam/gas
Microorganisms must not be able to penetrate from outer surface

Question 9

Sterilisation area/sterile storage

Answer 9

Close to theatre; away from sterile storage

Sterile supplies in closed cupboard; adjective to theatre; away from instrument cleaning area

Question 10

Items which can be autoclaved

Answer 10

Instruments
Drapes/gowns/swabs
Glassware
Most non-disposable plastic/rubber items

Question 11

Items usually cold sterilised

Answer 11

Fibre optics
Optical equipment
Battery operated drills
Disposable plastics
Anaesthetic tubing

Question 12

Sterilisation steps

Answer 12

PPE 
Soak & scrub; purpose specific brush - jaws open
Instrument cleaner prepared as per MG
Rinse running water 3mins
Ultrasonic cleaner (MG) rinse 3 mins
Dry; check for damage; lubricate
Protective cover
Package correct way round; ratchets open
Insert indicator; remove air; seal
Double wrap; label w/permanent marker