Monitoring & QAQuestion 65 of 100
Where should the process challenge device be placed in a steam sterilizer chamber for routine biological monitoring?
a.On the top shelf at the rear of the chamber
b.In the geometric center of the load, surrounded by the densest packs
c.In the area identified as the most difficult for the sterilant to reach, typically on the bottom shelf near the front over the drain
d.Outside the chamber, taped to the sterilizer door
Explanation
Air is heaviest and settles low near the drain, so the front bottom of the chamber is the recognized cold spot for a steam sterilizer and is where the PCD is placed. Testing an easy location would give a falsely reassuring result. The exact placement follows the sterilizer manufacturer instructions, and an indicator outside the chamber tests nothing.
Law Reference: AAMI ST79Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- 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?
- Which of the following are physical monitors of a sterilization cycle?
- A biological indicator from this morning's steam load is positive. What is the first action?
- After a positive biological indicator, the sterilizer is inspected, a probable cause is corrected, and testing resumes. What is generally required before the sterilizer returns to routine service?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against HSPA Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) Exam · How we review