sterilisation methods

Question 1

what type of formulations and devices require sterilisations?

Answer 1

-injections
-implants
-dressings
surgical ligatures

Question 2

what level does your product need to be to be called sterile?

Answer 2

SAL 10-6

Question 3

what are the advantages of moist heat sterillisation?

Answer 3

– Terminal sterilisation process for aqueous solutions or
suspensions
– Wide safety margin
– Kills bacteria and viruses

Question 4

what are the disadvantages of moist heat sterilisation?

Answer 4

– Only useful for thermostable products – Can not be used for products with oily bases
• Water is essential

Question 5

what are the advantages of dry heat sterilisation?

Answer 5

– Used for substances affected by moisture
– Suitable for assembled apparatus e.g. glass syringes
– Less damaging to glass and metal equipment than moist
heat

Question 6

what is the disadvantages of dry heat sterilisation?

Answer 6

– Drastic conditions are not tolerated by certain packaging
material e.g. plastics/rubber – Not suitable for surgical dressings
• Does not penetrate as well as moist heat • Natural moisture in fibres vaporises and causes deterioration