SterilizationQuestion 49 of 100
A department is deciding which sterilization method to use for a heat-stable stainless steel instrument set. Which method should be selected and why?
a.Steam, because it is the safest, fastest, least expensive, and most reliable method for heat-tolerant and moisture-tolerant items
b.Ethylene oxide, because it penetrates box locks better than steam
c.Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, because it is the shortest cycle available
d.Dry heat, because it does not corrode stainless steel
Explanation
Whenever a device tolerates heat and moisture, steam is the preferred method because it is nontoxic, inexpensive, well validated, and rapid. Low-temperature methods are reserved for devices that cannot survive steam, and each carries material restrictions, cost, and in the case of ethylene oxide, worker safety burdens. Dry heat requires very long exposure times and is limited to a narrow set of materials.
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