High-Temperature Sterilization

Flashcards about high-temperature sterilization

What is the primary sterilant for items that are not sensitive to heat or moisture?

Steam

What are the three steps for eliminating microorganisms?

Cleaning, Decontamination, and Sterilization

What are the advantages of steam sterilization?

Low Cost, Rapid Cycles, Simple Technology, and No Chemical Residues

Which component of steam sterilizers encases the interior chamber walls, heating them with steam to minimize condensation?

Jacket

Which component of a steam sterilizer is considered the weakest point?

Door Mechanism

How often should the chamber drain be cleaned?

At least daily

Why are wet packs problematic?

The retained moisture can serve as a medium for microbial growth, compromising the sterility of the items

What can cause wet packs?

Improper Loading, Dense Instrument Sets, Incorrect Wrapping, Improper Placement, Faulty Sterilizer Equipment, Environmental Factors, Rapid Cooling

How should sterilizers be cleaned?

Inspect and wipe the door gasket with a clean non-linting damp cloth as well as clear the chamber drain strainer daily. Periodically clean the chamber's interior using non-abrasive, non-linting products as per the manufacturer's recommended intervals

What is bioburden?

The quantity of microorganisms present

Which type of steam sterilizer pushes cooler air to the bottom and out the drain?

Gravity Air Displacement Sterilizers

Which type of steam sterilizers use mechanical means (like a vacuum pump) to remove air from the chamber?

Dynamic Air Removal Sterilizers

Which type of steam sterilizers use a series of vacuum and pressure pulses to remove air?

Prevacuum Steam Sterilizers

Why is a Bowie-Dick test ran daily?

To ensure effective air removal and steam penetration

What does IUSS stand for?

Immediate Use Steam Sterilization

What does the Terminal Sterilization cycle involve?

Conditioning, exposure, exhaust, and drying

What is the gravity sterilization temperature?

250°F (121°C)

What is the Dynamic Air Removal and Prevacuum temperature?

270°F to 275°F (132.2°C to 134°C)

Why is Super-Heated Steam not good?

It has less than 97% to 100% relative humidity, making it a less effective sterilant. It can cause textiles to scorch and rubber to deteriorate rapidly.

How should steam penetration be loaded?

Don't tightly pack or overlap items

How should instrument sets be positioned for loading?

Allow air exit and steam entry

How should basin sets be positioned for loading?

Stand on edge, tilted for drainage

How should textile packs be positioned for loading?

Layers should be perpendicular to the shelf

How should peel pouches be positioned for loading?

Stand on edge, positioned paper-to-plastic

How should mixed loads be positioned for loading?

Hard goods on the bottom, textiles in the middle, small instruments and peel packs on the top shelves

How should the sterilizer be unloaded?

Allow items to cool inside the sterilizer

What protective gear should be worn for unloading the sterilizer?

Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot items

How should items be handled when unloading the sterilizer?

Reduce handling to prevent contamination

What should be avoided when unloading the sterilizer?

Don't place hot packages on cold surfaces to prevent 'sweating'

What should be inspected for when unloading the sterilizer?

Check for moisture; wet items are potentially contaminated

Where should the items from the sterilizer be stored?

Store in a Sterile Area to maintain sterility

Where should PCDs be placed in the sterilizer?

Place Process Challenge Devices (PCDs) in the most challenging location within the load to test the effectiveness of the sterilization cycle

What is event-related sterility?

Sterility is maintained until an event compromises the package (e.g., tearing, moisture).

What is time-related sterility?

Items are considered sterile for a specified duration, regardless of storage conditions. (Not a common practice)

How should sterile packages be handled?

Handle gently and as little as possible to maintain sterility.

What should be inspected when handling sterile packages?

Inspect packages for tears, punctures, or moisture before use.

How should sterile storage areas be maintained?

Keep clean, dry, well-ventilated, and temperature-controlled.

How should sterile items be arranged on the shelves?

Arrange items to allow for proper air circulation and easy visibility.

What is FIFO (First In, First Out) in sterile storage?

Use older items first to prevent expiration of sterility.

How should traffic be minimized in sterile storage areas?

Limit access to reduce contamination risks.

What should be done with recalled items?

Promptly remove recalled items from storage.

How often should sterile storage areas be monitored?

Routinely monitor temperature and humidity levels.