Question

Proper functioning of the sterilization cycle of all sterilization devices shall be verified at least ____________ through the use of a __________________ indicator (such as a spore test).

Answer 1

The proper functioning of sterilization devices is verified weekly using a biological indicator such as a spore test, with the endospores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus commonly used due to their heat resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper functioning of the sterilization cycle of all sterilization devices should be verified weekly through the use of a biological indicator (such as a spore test). Biological indicators, especially spore tests which utilize the endospores of thermophilic bacterium like Geobacillus stearothermophilus, are essential since they provide evidence of sterility by confirming the destruction of highly resistant endospores. These indicators are a gold standard for verifying the effectiveness of sterilization procedures which includes autoclaves - devices that apply heat and pressure to sterilize equipment. Autoclaves operate at temperatures such as 121 °C or 132 °C and pressures of 15 to 20 psi, typically for 20 minutes or longer depending on the volume of material, which ensures the complete killing of endospores. Following sterilization, tests are done to verify there is no growth, implying the autoclave is functioning properly and that the items are indeed sterile. The Association of Official Agricultural Chemists International (AOAC) sets the standards for these tests, requiring that a very high percentage of replicates show no growth after being subjected to the sterilization process.

Answer 2

The proper functioning of the sterilization cycle of all sterilization devices should be verified at least weekly through the use of a biological indicator (such as a spore test). Biological indicators, specifically spore tests, are used to determine whether the sterilization process effectively kills Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, which are known for their extreme heat resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper functioning of the sterilization cycle of all sterilization devices should be verified at least weekly through the use of a biological indicator (such as a spore test).

Biological indicators, specifically spore tests, are used to determine whether the sterilization process effectively kills Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, which are known for their extreme heat resistance. These indicators can be used to test the effectiveness of various sterilization protocols, including autoclaving, ethylene oxide, dry heat, formaldehyde, gamma radiation, and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization.

It is important to regularly verify the sterilization cycle to ensure the safety and effectiveness of sterilization devices in eliminating potentially infectious agents.