Final answer:
A wet instrument pack is not automatically considered contaminated as wetness may result from non-contaminating sources. Wet packs must be evaluated for potential microbial penetration. Sterilization methods, such as moist-heat and dry-heat sterilization, differ in temperature and time requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a wet instrument pack is not automatically considered contaminated is true. When instrument packs become wet, they are susceptible to microbial penetration; however, wetness alone does not mean they are contaminated. A pack might become wet due to condensation or other non-contaminating reasons. Contamination is determined by assessing whether the wetness has provided an opportunity for microbes to enter the pack. If the instruments were properly sterilized and handled according to sterilization protocols, and if the integrity of the packaging has not been compromised by the wetness, they may still be considered sterile.
Sanitization reduces the number of microbes to a safe level but does not leave an object completely free of microbes. As for sterilization protocols, moist-heat sterilization requires the use of higher temperatures and usually involves the application of steam under pressure, using equipment like an autoclave. This process is more rapid and effective at a lower temperature than dry-heat sterilization, which uses hot air and requires higher temperatures and longer times.
Ionizing radiation can penetrate surfaces and materials to sterilize in-depth, while nonionizing radiation, such as UV light, is not as penetrating and is mainly used for surface disinfection.