Final answer:
Failure to remove all air from a package before steam sterilization may result in ineffective sterilization because the steam cannot fully penetrate and sterilize the contents. Gravity displacement and prevacuum sterilizers use different methods to remove air, with prevacuum being more effective. Louis Pasteur's 'swan-neck' flask experiments illustrate the importance of air management in sterilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Failure to remove ALL air from a package to be steam sterilized may result in ineffective sterilization. In the process of steam sterilization, using an autoclave, it is crucial that all air is evacuated from the chamber to allow the steam to effectively penetrate and sterilize the contents. Gravity displacement autoclaves and prevacuum sterilizers are two types of autoclaves that remove air differently. For example, gravity displacement autoclaves introduce steam which forces the heavier air out, while prevacuum sterilizers use a vacuum to evacuate the air before steam is introduced, leading to more effective air removal and steam penetration.
The importance of complete air removal for successful sterilization was also evident in the experiments of Louis Pasteur who used 'swan-neck' flasks. These uniquely shaped flasks allowed air exchange while preventing the introduction of airborne microorganisms. Pasteur demonstrated that as long as the 'swan-neck' remained intact, the broth remained sterile. This principle underpins the need for complete air removal in modern sterilization techniques.