Chapter 21: Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization

Three forms of sterilization monitoring:

1. Physical 2. Chemical 3. Biological

At a temperature of 160º C (320º F), dry heat sterilization requires ___ minutes.

120

Steam temperatures in sterilizing cycles are

133.88º C (273º F) for 15 minutes and 121.11º C (250º F) for 30 minutes.

When sterilizing instruments in the autoclave, the timing is __ minutes after the controls show the pressure at 15 psi and the temperature at 121º C (249.8º F).

15

___ are vials or strips, also known as spore tests, that contain harmless bacterial spores and are used to determine whether a sterilizer is working.

Biologic indicators

What verifies sterilization by confirming that all spore-forming microorganisms have been destroyed?

Biologic monitor

____ means that it is assumed the contents of a package will remain sterile indefinitely unless the packaging is compromised.

Event-related packaging

T/F - A holding solution is used following an ultrasonic bath prior to bagging the instruments for sterilization.

False

T/F - Chemical sterilants are an excellent method of sterilization.

False

T/F - Hand scrubbing is an effective means of cleaning an instrument and recommended by OSHA.

False

T/F - multi-parameter indicators ensure that an item is sterile.

False

___ are instruments that come into contact with intact skin only.

Noncritical instruments

___ is OSHA's newer term for material data sheets.

Safety Data Sheets

Seven steps involved in processing dental instrument.

Transport, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage, delivery, quality

T/F - The ultrasonic solution should be cleaned frequently, at a minimum of once a day and more frequently if it becomes cloudy.

True

___ is the length of time that a germicidal solution is effective after it ahs been prepared for use.

Use-life

What is considered a noncritical instrument?

X-ray head

Examples of semicritical items include

amalgam condensers

An ultrasonic cleaner should be labeled with a

biohazard and chemical warning label

The ___ verifies sterilization by confirming that all spore-forming microorganism have been destroyed.

biologic monitoring

another term for spore testing is

biologic monitoring

The ___ is a piece of equipment that is used for sterilizing by means of hot formaldehyde vapors under pressure.

chemical vapor sterilizer

In the ___ of the sterilization center, sterilized instruments, fresh disposable supplies, and prepared trays are stored.

clean area

When returning soiled instruments to the sterilization center, the tray is placed in the __________ area.

contaminated

The ___ of the sterilization center is where contaminated items are brought for precleaning.

contaminated area

An instrument used to penetrate soft tissue or bone is identified as a?

critical instrument

the instrument classifications used to determine the method of sterilization and disinfection are

critical, semicritical, and noncritical

Before instruments are wrapped for dry heat sterilization, they must be clean and

dry

A piece of equipment used for sterilization by means of heated air is the ___.

dry heat sterilizer

A(n) ___ is a resistant, dormant structure that is formed inside of some bacteria and can withstand adverse conditions.

endospore

how do you prepare a high spped handpiece for sterilization

flush water through it

what type of personal protective equipment is necessary when one is processing instruments

google type eyewear

The least desirable method of precleaning instruments is

hand scrubbing

which method of precleaning instruments is least desirable

hand scrubbing

what methods of precleaning instruments are used

hand scrubbing, ultrasonic cleaning, and with a thermal washer and disinfector

what causes sterilization failures

improper contact of sterilizing agent, improper temperature, and overloading of the sterilizer

what is a primary disadvantage if flash sterilization

inability to wrap items

what is a major advantage of chemical vapor sterilization

instruments will not rust

rusting of instruments can be prevented by the use of what

lubrication

instruments should be packaged for sterilization to

maintain sterility

A ___ is an indicator that reacts to time, temperature and presence of steam.

multiparameter indicator

where do you place a process indicator

outside the package

what are forms of sterilization monitoring

physical, chemical, and biological

Instruments that come in contact with oral tissues but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone are identified as?

semicritical instruments

the basic rule of the workflow pattern in an instrument processing area is

single loop

Tapes, strips, and tabs with heat-sensitive chemicals that change color when exposed to a certain temperature are examples of a?

single-parameter indicator

the ultrasonic cleaner works by what

sound waves

what is an example of dry heat sterilization

static air

what type of heat sterilization is appropriate for high speed handpieces

steam and chemical vapor

what are commonly used forms of heat sterilization

steam, chemical vapor, and dry heat

kitchen dishwashers cannot be used to precelan instruments because are are not approved by what

the FDA

if instruments cannot be processed immediately, what should be done with them

they should be placed in a holding soltuion

what is a reason why pins, staples, and paper clips are not used on instrument packaging

they will cause holes in the packaging

The ___ is a device that loosens and removes debris with the use of sound waves traveling through a liquid.

ultrasonic cleaner

what is the best way to determine whether sterilization has occured

use biologic monitoring

how do you rinse instruments that have been processed in a liquid chemical sterilant

with sterile water