Sterile tech

What packaging systems are used to maintain sterile surgical equipment?

Peel pouching, woven wrappers, porous containers, and rigid containers.

Where must rigid containers be placed during sterilization?

Flat during sterilization.

What are tamper-evident seals on rigid containers?

Lids and latches.

Which packaging material is acceptable for low temperature gas plasma sterilization?

Tyvek.

How much space should be left inside a peel pouch?

2 inches.

What can inhibit sterilant penetration?

A wrapper that is too small.

What is a basic principle of packaging?

Material must allow sterilant to reach contents.

How should basin sets be prepared for sterilization?

Basin separated by at least 1/2 inch.

What is the maximum size and weight of a textile pack?

12"x12"x12", 12 pounds.

Where should chemical indicators be placed in multi-layer container systems?

Each level.

What must be done with a non-perforated tray during sterilization?

Laid flat on the sterilizer rack.

Where should heavier instruments be placed in a set?

On the bottom of the set.

How many categories of chemical disinfectants are there?

3.

Why are high-level disinfectants not recommended for patient tissue?

They can leave harmful residuals.

What process kills most microorganisms but not spores?

High-level disinfection.

How do disinfectants differ from antiseptics?

Disinfectants are for inanimate objects.

What is the recommended temperature for high-level disinfection?

70°F-75°F.

How many air exchanges per hour are recommended for high-level disinfection?

10.

What is the recommended humidity for high-level disinfection?

30%-60%.

What classification requires sterilization according to the Spaulding Classification System?

Critical.

What classification requires sanitization in the Spaulding Classification System?

Non-critical.

What classification requires high-level disinfection?

Semi-critical.

Is more chemical disinfectant always better?

False.

What is osmosis?

Movement of solvent through a semi-permeable membrane.

Can a bacteriostatic disinfectant cause tissue damage?

True.

Which agency does not regulate chemical disinfectants?

CDC.

What should staff using disinfectants be monitored for?

Exposure to hazardous chemicals.

What is a type of environmental disinfectant?

Quats.

What is a type of high-level disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide.