SterilizationQuestion 52 of 100
A technician notices the sterilizer printout shows the chamber reached only 268 degrees F during a cycle set for 270 degrees F, although the chemical indicator changed color. What should be done?
a.Release the load, since the chemical indicator confirms sterility
b.Release the load but note the discrepancy in the log for the next preventive maintenance visit
c.Rerun the same load in the same sterilizer without further investigation
d.Do not release the load; the physical monitor shows the cycle parameters were not met, so the load is quarantined and the sterilizer is evaluated
Explanation
Physical monitors are an independent record of what the chamber actually did, and a load that did not meet its specified parameters cannot be released even if an indicator changed color. Chemical indicators respond to conditions but do not prove that all critical parameters were achieved. Rerunning without investigation ignores a possible equipment fault that will affect subsequent loads.
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