Question

A medical assistant is loading prepackaged hemostats into an autoclave, what actions should the assistant take to ensure sterilization?

1) Wipe the hemostats with a sterile cloth before loading them
2) Load the hemostats into the autoclave without any preparation
3) Sterilize the hemostats using ethylene oxide gas instead of an autoclave
4) D. Follow proper procedures for loading and sterilizing the hemostats in the autoclave

Answer 1

To ensure sterilization of hemostats in an autoclave, the medical assistant should load them according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensure proper positioning for steam circulation, and use sterilization indicators to confirm successful sterilization.

Step-by-step explanation:

To ensure proper sterilization when loading prepackaged hemostats into an autoclave, the medical assistant should:

1. Check that the hemostats are still sealed in their pre-sterilization packaging.
2. Follow the autoclave manufacturer's instructions for loading and running the autoclave cycle, which includes proper positioning and allowing for steam circulation.
3. Use sterilization indicators, such as autoclave tape, to confirm that the correct temperature and pressure have been reached during the sterilization process.

It's incorrect to wipe the hemostats with a sterile cloth before loading them into the autoclave, as this could introduce moisture and contaminants. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is an alternative method that is not typically used for heat-resistant instruments like hemostats. Overall, the key is to follow the specific autoclave protocols to ensure that all microbes including bacteria, viruses, and especially resistant endospores, are eliminated.