Sterilization Methods

Question 1

High-Temperature Sterilization

Answer 1

Uses moist heat (steam).

Steam is the primary sterilant for items unless they’re sensitive to heat or moisture. This method has a long-standing reputation for its effectiveness in killing microorganisms.

Question 2

Advantages of Steam Sterilization

Answer 2

Low Cost: most economical

No Chemical Residue

Question 3

Components of Steam Sterilizers

Answer 3

Jacket
Door Mechanism
Chamber Drain
Thermostatic Trap

Question 4

Types of Steam Sterilizers

Answer 4

Gravity Air Displacement Sterilizers
Dynamic Air Removal Sterilizers
Prevacuum Steam Sterilizers

Question 5

Bowie-Dick Test

Answer 5

Ensures effective air removal ans steam penetration.

Should be run DAILY (typically at the beginning of each day before processing any loads in the sterilizer).

Question 6

Steam Sterilizer Cycles

Answer 6

IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilization)
-used immediately (items are hot and wet, post process)

Terminal Sterilization (Non-IUSS)
-mainly used in SPD (items are dry, post processes)

Question 7

Super-Heated Steam

Answer 7

NOT GOOD

THIS IS DRY STEAM, it occurs when steam is heated beyond its boiling point without increasing pressure

Question 8

Low-Temperature Sterilization

Answer 8

Essential for heat and moisture-sensitive medical devices.

Uses Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and
Ethylene Oxide (EO) methods.

Question 9

Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilizes by

Answer 9

Alkylation

Question 10

Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizes by

Answer 10

Oxidation

Question 11

To remove EO residue before the sterilizer an be unlocked and items removed, what do items undergo?

Answer 11

Aeration