Sterilization Center Policies Quiz

Which is the correct use of the areas?

• Red Area -  Decontamination and cleaning area Blue Area - Drying, packaging, and sterilization area Green Area - Sterile material storage area

• Red Area - Sterile material storage area Blue Area - Drying, packaging, and sterilization area Green Area - Decontamination and cleaning area

• Red Area - Decontamination and cleaning area Green Area - Drying, packaging, and sterilization area Blue Area - Sterile material storage area

• None of the above

Initial cleaning of surgical instruments is performed using a mild detergent or disinfectant before sterilization. If macro materials or tissues are known to be infectious, instruments are soaked initially in a ______________ solution to inactivate vegetative microorganisms, fungi, or HIV-1.

The presence of dirt or organic matter in the devices can reduce the effectiveness of the sterilization process by acting as a barrier and preventing the correct penetration of the sterilizing agent.

• True

• False

The packaging material must ____________.

• Allow penetration of the sterilant

• Provide protection against contact contamination during handling

• Provide an effective barrier to microbial penetration

• Maintain the sterility of the processed item after sterilization 

• All of the above

Instruments placed inside autoclave pouches do not require a chemical indicator.   

• True

• False

If paper bags or cloth is used to wrap instruments an _________________must be placed inside the packaging to ensure the integrity of the sterilization process.   

The 3M chemical integrator is known as a type _____ chemical indicator.

Safe handling procedures for the autoclave shall be followed at all times, and only persons who are trained in proper autoclaving procedures should use the equipment.

• True

• False

For the storage of sterile material to be the most appropriate, the storage area must meet the following requirements:

• The walls must be smooth, without roughness.

• The area must have restricted access.

• Proper PPEs must be worn upon entry to prevent contamination.

• The area must have ideal climatic conditions for maintenance, such as a Temperature of 15º C to 25º C.

• All of the above 

Before storing sterile material, it will be allowed to cool, and the package will be checked for:

• Date of Sterilization 

• Expiration Date

• That indicators show that the material was adequately processed.

• Tears or damage to the packaging

• All of the above

Sterile instruments are delivered to the Cath Lab for use using a cloth bag and sterile trolley.

• True

• False

A cotton-tipped swab is used to conduct a bacteriological swab of the autoclave barrel and drum. What types of swabs are used?

• 1 wet swab, 1 dry swab

• 2 wet swabs

• 2 dry swabs 

• 3 dry swabs

The use of biological indicators (BI) should be used on a quarterly basis to certify the proper function of the autoclave. In addition to this frequency, a BI should be used when the following occurs:

• When a new type of packaging or tray is used

• After undergoing maintenance or repairs to the equipment

• After any change in the loading procedures

• All of the above 

Every autoclave cycle, including sterilization of materials, quality control checks, calibration, servicing, and maintenance, should not be documented on the autoclave sterilization log.

• True

• False