Heavy Metal
How should basins be positioned for sterilization?
On their edge
What is the new term for flash sterilization?
Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS)
What is the most critical phase of an EO sterilization cycle? (for safety reasons)
Aeration phase
How should you hold an instrument tray when transporting it to the OR?
Flat; slightly away from the body
How should wrapped trays be loaded and unloaded from a sterilization cart and shelves?
Lift the tray rather than dragging it across the shelf
What is the required temperature, exposure time, and pressure for a pre-vac cycle?
270 degrees F; 4 min; 27 psi
In which phase of a hydrogen peroxide cycle does the sterilant enter the chamber?
Injection phase
What is the ideal type of shelving used for sterile storage?
Closed shelving units
Where should rigid containers be placed on a steam sterilization cart?
Toward the bottom; not above wrapped trays
What is the required temperature, exposure time, and pressure for a gravity cycle?
250 degrees F; 30 min; 16 psi
What are the byproducts left over from H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) sterilization?
H2O (in the form of water vapor) and O (oxygen)
Name two things you should never do with wrapped trays.
Stack them; drag them across wire shelves; touch them before they are cool; drop them; allow them to get wet
How should peel packs be arranged for sterilization?
Paper to plastic
What principle does gravity sterilization rely on?
The fact that steam is heavier than air
It is a longer cycle; it is a toxic gas and requires monitoring and aeration
What are two requirements of the bottom shelf in sterile storage?
Solid shelf; 8-10 inches off the floor
Where should heavy instruments be placed in a tray?
At the bottom
Name two types of cycles for steam sterilization.
Gravity and pre-vac
Name two options for low-temperature sterilization.
EO and hydrogen peroxide
How should you determine if sterilized trays are cool enough to place in storage?
Use an infrared thermometer/temperature gun