Sterilization

Question 1

What are the 4 sterilization method?

Answer 1

Steam sterilization: autoclave
ETO
Peracetic acid
Glutaraldehyde (2.5-3.5%)

Question 2

What is the characteristic and setting of the steam sterilization?

Answer 2

• most powerful method of sterilization
• PREFERRED method unless product is damaged by heat or moisture
• temp over H2o boiling point > 100 degree celuise –>enff to kill all microbes
• 15 psi at 121.5C for 20 mins –> as long as materials are not soiled

Time of exposure: depends on contents and compactness of load

Question 3

what is the purpose of wrapping devices that has been sterilized?

Answer 3

• prevent re contamination

Question 4

What are the unsuitable items for autoclave?

Answer 4

• plastic
• items with oil, powder
• empty UPRIGHT GLASSWARE (RELEASE AIR)

Question 5

What items are suitable for autoclave?

Answer 5

• Fluid filed uncapped glassware

Question 6

What does cracking the door mean?

Answer 6

• slow cooling of items to prevent condensation/moisture (promotes microbes growth)

Question 7

What is the function of autoclave tape?

Answer 7

• designed to provide visual indication for items that have gone through the sterilization process
• Stripes turn black after exposure to steam sterilization conditions

Question 8

What does ETO stand for?

Answer 8

ethylene oxide (ETO) –> gas sterilization

Question 9

What is the characteristics of ETO?

Answer 9

Senses

• colourless
• unpleasant smell

Physical properties

• explosive in pure state
• alkylating agent –> blocks metabolic reaction–> causes microbial death

Question 10

What is the result of ETO?

Answer 10

• killing vegetative microbes

- takes longer time to kill spores

Question 11

What devices are sterilized by ETO?

Answer 11

• items that can’t tolerate high Temp

- electronic component, pumps, nebulizer, catheters, bronchoscopes

Question 12

What is the process of ETO?

Answer 12

• carried out in a chamber
• raised temp to 55, 50% humidity
• 10% ETO is mixed with other compound to prevent explosion
• 7 hrs overnight

Question 13

What is the process of glutaraldehyde?

Answer 13

• *used for RESPIRATORY equipment
• takes 10 hrs at 20 C
• requires rinsing of devices before processing

Question 14

What are the 2 concentration of Glutaraldehyde used?

Answer 14

2. 5-3.5 for sterilization (a cold sterilant)
   - -> good for heat sensitive equipment
   - -> does not coagulate protein

2% for high level disinfection
–>its noncorrosive to metal, plastic, rubber, lens cement

Question 15

What is Peracetic acid(0.2) used for

Answer 15

• for scopes (bronchoscopes)
• immersible instrument
• effective on spores

Question 16

What is the setting of per acetic acid?

Answer 16

• 30 - 45 mins at 50 - 56 C

- sterilants flow thru the scope which facilitates salt, protein and microbes removal

Question 17

Why does using hyperbaric oxygen therapy can treat gangrene?

Answer 17

• the bacteria (clostridium perfringens) is a anaerobes