Question

Why must textile packs be replaced on their sides for sterilization?

A) To reduce the risk of contamination during transportation
B) To improve visibility and accessibility during sterilization
C) To evenly distribute steam and heat within the packs
D) To make it easier to label and identify the contents
E) To prevent condensation from accumulating on top of the packs

Answer 1

Textile packs must be placed on their sides during sterilization in an autoclave to ensure even distribution of steam and heat, leading to efficient sterilization of the contents by inactivating all microbes, including resistant endospores.

Step-by-step explanation:

When sterilizing materials in an autoclave, it's critical to ensure that the steam can penetrate the contents effectively. Placing textile packs on their sides rather than stacking them flat increases the surface area exposed to the steam, which aids in the more efficient penetration and distribution of steam and heat throughout the pack. This is essential for ensuring that all microbes, including highly resistant endospores, are inactivated, leading to proper sterilization.

Autoclaves function by using moist-heat sterilization, where the steam and pressure within the chamber achieve temperatures able to destroy vegetative cells, viruses, and especially endospores. Effective sterilization requires not only the appropriate temperature but also thorough contact of the steam with the items being sterilized. Therefore, the orientation of items, such as textile packs, matters greatly. It ensures complete exposure during sterilization cycles and helps overcome challenges associated with air displacement within the autoclave chamber.