Which of the following physical properties are required for an autoclave to sterilize biohazardous material?

1. Dry heat
2. A vacuum
3. 100% humidity
4. Increased air pressure
a. 2 and 3 c. 1, 2, and 4
b. 1 and 3 d. 2, 3, and 4


ANS: D
Air is evacuated, moisture is added (100% humidity), and the pressure inside the autoclave is raised to 15 to 20 lb-force per square inch gauge (psig). Air is evacuated from the chamber be-cause residual air prolongs the penetration time of steam, thus increasing the total autoclave cycle time. Pressure is used to raise the temperature of the steam, which is critical because the amount of time required to achieve sterilization depends on the temperature inside of the autoclave. Dry heat is not used during autoclaving.

Health Professions

You might also like to view...

Health insurance began in the 1800s as ________ income insurance

a. federal b. compensatory c. liability d. disability

Health Professions

According to the 2015 AHA guidelines/recommendations, a patient who appears to be unresponsive and not breathing or breathing ineffectively should be assessed using which mnemonic memory aid?

A) ABC B) BAC C) CBA D) CAB

Health Professions

An audit done within a medical practice to make sure it is compliant is an external audit

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Health Professions

Most toxic materials have an odor and color, and so will provide adequate warning prior to causing lethal effects.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Health Professions