NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareHard
A medical assistant is preparing to assist with a minor surgical procedure. The physician will be using instruments that are heat-sensitive and cannot be autoclaved. Which of the following sterilization methods is most appropriate for these instruments?
- ASteam sterilization (autoclave)
- BDry heat sterilization
- CEthylene oxide gas sterilization
- DBoiling water sterilization
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Ethylene oxide (ETO) gas sterilization is a low-temperature method suitable for heat-sensitive instruments that cannot withstand the high temperatures of steam or dry heat sterilization. It is effective at killing all microorganisms, including spores, but requires proper ventilation due to its toxicity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Steam sterilization (autoclaving) uses high heat and pressure, which would damage heat-sensitive instruments.
- B. Dry heat sterilization uses very high temperatures over a long period, which would also damage heat-sensitive instruments.
- D. Boiling water is disinfection, not sterilization, and would not destroy all microorganisms, especially spores.
Heat-Sensitive Instrument Sterilization
Sterilization methods for heat-sensitive instruments, which cannot withstand high temperatures, include chemical processes like ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma, or glutaraldehyde immersion.
- Autoclave (steam) is for heat-tolerant items.
- Ethylene oxide is a common low-temp gas method.
- Glutaraldehyde is a liquid chemical sterilant for immersion.
Memory trick: Hot or not? Pick your sterilizing pot!