Decontamination, sterilization method selection, and instrument tray assembly concepts tested on sterile processing certification exams.
40 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the first step in the sterile processing workflow?
- Decontamination of soiled instruments and equipment
- Define decontamination in sterile processing.
- Removal of pathogenic organisms and infectious material from instruments to safe levels
- What type of container is used for soiled instruments in the decontamination area?
- Rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container or cart
- Name the primary method used to remove bioburden from instruments.
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- What is the recommended temperature range for ultrasonic cleaning?
- 40 to 60 degrees Celsius (104 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit)
- How long should instruments soak in an enzymatic detergent before ultrasonic cleaning?
- Typically 5 to 10 minutes
- What is bioburden?
- The total number of living microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores) on an instrument
- Which sterilization method uses pressurized steam at high temperature?
- Steam sterilization (autoclave)
- What is the standard temperature for steam sterilization?
- 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) at 15 to 17 pounds per square inch
- How long does steam sterilization typically take for a wrapped tray?
- 3 to 10 minutes exposure time, depending on density and contents
- What does EtO stand for in sterilization?
- Ethylene oxide gas
- Name an instrument material that cannot tolerate steam sterilization.
- Certain plastics and delicate optics
- What is dry heat sterilization used for primarily?
- Powders, oils, and materials that cannot tolerate steam or moisture
- At what temperature does dry heat sterilization typically occur?
- 160 to 180 degrees Celsius (320 to 356 degrees Fahrenheit)
- What is the standard chemical indicator on a sterilization package?
- A color-changing stripe that verifies the package was exposed to sterilization conditions