What is the best method for checking whether instrument packs are being sterilized when autoclaved?

Biological Indicator- These are the highest order of indicators. They monitor time, temperature, and steam penetration by confirming the killing of microbial spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, a thermophilic bacteria. This is the only method that actually verifies sterilization is occurring.

Which of the following is the best means of determining the effectiveness of sterilization process?

Best means for determining the effectiveness of the sterilization procedure. Strips that are placed in the center of a sterile pack to indicate that the item being sterilized has reached the proper temperature for sterilization.

What information is needed on the autoclave tape before the instrument is autoclaved?

Autoclave tape is used on the outside of a wrapped instrument or pack to identify the contents of the back, the date the item was autoclaved, and the initials of the person who wrapped the pack.

What rules must be followed for wrapping an instrument for the autoclave?

The wrapping material must be permeable to steam but impervious to contaminants. Acceptable wrapping materials for autoclaving should be made of a substance that allows the steam to penetrate while preventing pathogens from entering during storage and handling.

What is the most reliable method of sterilization for culture media and surgical supplies?

The autoclave is still considered the most effective method of sterilization.

What is the accepted method for testing an autoclave?

The most common method of testing is using commercially available test indicator kits with spore strips (usually Bacillus stearothermophilus). The spore strips are placed in the center of a typical load and run through a sterilization cycle. The spore strips are incubated with the non-autoclaved strips.

Which of the following is the best method to sterilize heat labile solutions?

In order to sterilize a solution that is heat labile the best way to do this is to treat it with a chemical called ethylene oxide. This compound will sterilize anything but can be used at room temperature unlike other methods. Filtration can be done by using membrane filtrate.

What is autoclave tape indicator?

Tape indicators are adhesive-backed paper tape with heat sensitive, chemical indicator markings. Tape indicators change color or display diagonal stripes, the words “sterile” or “autoclaved” when exposed to temperatures of 121°C. They indicate that a temperature of 121°C has been achieved within the autoclave.

What information is included on the autoclave tape?

The tape features a chemical indicator (diagonal lines) that will change color after it is exposed to temperatures commonly used in sterilization processes. These black diagonal lines will appear on the tape after 10 minutes at 121°C or 2 minutes at 134°C in a steam sterilizer.

What guidelines should be followed when the autoclave is unloaded?

Unloading

• Do not open the autoclave while the chamber is pressurized, released steam can cause severe burns.
• Verify that the temperature and duration of exposure were met.
• Wait until the autoclave has cooled prior to opening the door.
• Avoid standing directly in front of the autoclave door when it is opened after a run.

What is the proper way to wrap hinged instruments?

To wrap instruments and other items for steam sterilization, use two layers of paper, newsprint, or muslin or cotton fabric. Do not use canvas for steam sterilization, since steam may not penetrate this material. When wrapping items for dry-heat sterilization, use foil, double-layered cotton, or muslin fabric.