Monitoring & QAQuestion 59 of 100
Which organism is used in biological indicators for steam sterilization, and why?
a.Geobacillus stearothermophilus, because its spores are highly resistant to moist heat
b.Bacillus atrophaeus, because its spores are highly resistant to moist heat
c.Clostridioides difficile, because it is a common healthcare pathogen
d.Staphylococcus aureus, because it survives on dry surfaces
Explanation
Biological indicators use a highly resistant spore population that is harder to kill than the microorganisms found on devices, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus fills that role for steam, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone. Bacillus atrophaeus is used for ethylene oxide and dry heat. Vegetative pathogens such as staphylococci and clinical spore formers such as C. difficile are far less resistant and are never used as process challenge organisms.
Law Reference: AAMI ST79Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- A department is setting its biological monitoring policy for a steam sterilizer used for routine loads. How frequently should a biological indicator be run?
- A Class 1 chemical indicator is applied to the outside of every wrapped tray. What does it tell the user?
- Which class of chemical indicator reacts to all critical variables of the sterilization cycle and has performance correlated to a biological indicator?
- A technician finds a box of chemical indicators labeled for use only in a cycle of 270 degrees F for 4 minutes. What type of indicator is this?
- A supervisor asks a technician to assemble a process challenge device for the daily biological indicator test. What is a process challenge device?
- Where should the process challenge device be placed in a steam sterilizer chamber for routine biological monitoring?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Exam · How we review