techniques of instrument processing and sterilization

three instrument classifications used to determine the method of sterilization

critical

semicritical

noncritical

ppe necessary when sterilizing

utility gloves, mask, eyewear, and protective clothing

if instruments cant be processed immediately what should be done

they should be placed in a holding solution

two methods of precleaning instruments

ultrasonic or instrument washing machine

how can rusting be prevented

rust inhibitors

most common forms of heat sterilization

steam sterilization

chemical vapor sterilization

dry heat sterilization

disadvantage of flash sterilization

no longer sterile once removed from sterilizer

advantage of chemical vapor sterilization

doesnt rust dull or corrode metal instruments

two types of dry heat sterilization

static air and forced air

three forms of sterilization monitoring

physical monitoring

chemical monitoring

biologic monitoring