Sterile Processing Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards focused on sterile processing temperatures, equipment, cleaning agents, and procedural workflows.

Steam sterilization (gravity cycle) temperature

$250^{\circ}F\,(121^{\circ}C)$ with longer exposure time; used for heat- and moisture-stable instruments.

Steam sterilization (dynamic air removal/pre-vacuum) temperature

$270^{\circ}F\,(132^{\circ}C)$. It is the most common hospital cycle and is faster than gravity displacement.

Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS/Flash)

Sterilization at $270^{\circ}F\,(132^{\circ}C)$ for emergency use only where the instrument is used immediately and not for routine sterilization.

Low-temperature sterilization

Used for heat-sensitive devices; examples include Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and Ethylene Oxide (EtO).

Ethylene Oxide (EtO)

A toxic gas used for low-temperature sterilization of delicate instruments that requires aeration.

Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma

Low-temperature sterilization with no toxic residue; good for many delicate devices but not for liquids or cellulose.

Manual cleaning

Cleaning by hand using brushes, detergent, and water; used for delicate instruments.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Uses sound waves to remove soil from hinges, serrations, and box locks; it CLEANS but does NOT sterilize.

Washer-disinfector

A machine that automatically cleans, rinses, thermally disinfects, and dries instruments.

Cart washing

Machine cleaning specifically for case carts, transport carts, and containers.

Thermal disinfection

The use of hot water to reduce microorganisms after cleaning, which is NOT sterilization.

Enzymatic cleaner

A type of cleaner used to break down blood and tissue on medical instruments.

Normal body temperature

$98.6^{\circ}F\,(37^{\circ}C)$.

Initial rinse for bloody instruments

Cool or lukewarm water should be used because hot water can coagulate proteins, making them harder to remove.

High-level disinfection

A process that kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and most spores; used for semi-critical items.

Instrument inspection timing

Instruments should be inspected after cleaning and before assembly.

Instrument inspection criteria

Verification of cleanliness, sharpness, alignment, and the absence of cracks, rust, stains, or missing parts.

Correct processing order

Clean (\rightarrow) Inspect (\rightarrow) Assemble (\rightarrow) Package (\rightarrow) Sterilize (\rightarrow) Store.