Steriliser

Question 1

Why do instruments need to be CLEANED prior sterilisation?

Answer 1

• Contaminants prevents direct surface contact with steam

- Deposits become fixed to instruments = difficult to clean later, reservoir

Question 2

Why do instruments need to be DRIED prior sterilisation?

Answer 2

• Steam cannot penetrate water (canot contact surface)

- Steriliser designed to cope with dry instruments

Question 3

Why is air removed from the sterilisation chambers prior sterilisation?

Answer 3

Steam cannot penetrate air (twice as dense)

Question 4

What is a process control device?

Answer 4

• Device containing chemical indicator

- Designed to test whether steam can penetrate and reach indicator

Question 5

Type N sterilisers

Answer 5

• Passive displacement of air
• Solid instruments, no lumens and unwrapped
• For immediate use only (cannot store)
• ‘Sterilised’

Question 6

Type B sterilisers

Answer 6

• Vacuum air removal
• Wrapped or hollow instruments allowed
• Once packaged -> ‘sterile’

Question 7

What are the housekeeping tasks for sterilisers?

Answer 7

• Examine + wipe door seal
• Ensure chamber + shelves clean
• Refil reservoir with water

Question 8

Describe a cycle of a Type B steriliser

Answer 8

1. Pre-treatment = air removed by vacuum
2. Sterilisation = steam
3. Drying by vacuum
4. Cooling

Question 9

How is a DAILY test carried out for a Type B steriliser?

Answer 9

• Check printout
• PCD = Bowie Dick or Helix
  
  • -> Steam penetration testing

Question 10

How is a WEEKLY test carried out for a Type B steriliser?

Answer 10

• Daily test +
• Vacuum leak test
  (detects loss of vacuum)
• Air detector function test
  (detects drop in temp)

Question 11

How is a DAILY test carried out for a Type N steriliser?

Answer 11

• Check printout

Question 12

How is a WEEKLY test carried out for a Type N steriliser?

Answer 12

• Daily test +

- Chemical test strip

Question 13

What 3 factors are needed to achieve sterilisation in Type B sterilisers?

Answer 13

1. Temperature = 134-137C
2. Pressure = 2-2.3 bar
3. Time = MINIMUM 3mins

Question 14

How are sterilisers VALIDATED?

Answer 14

• Test Person (Validation Engineer) or AED

- Quarterly and annually tests

Question 15

What are the advantages of steam sterilisation?

Answer 15

• Rapid heating
• Rapid penetration of load
• Rapid destruction of microbes
• No toxic residue
• Cheap
• Easily controlled and monitored

Question 16

What is checked during an inspection of instruments?

Answer 16

1. Cleanliness
2. Dryness
3. Function
4. Damage

Question 17

What are the requirements of a package?

Answer 17

1. Strong
2. Steam can penetrate
3. Can withstand high temps
4. Maintain sterility after sterilisation