NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareHard
A medical assistant is preparing to assist with a minor surgical procedure. Which of the following is the most appropriate method for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments?
- ADry heat sterilization
- BEthylene oxide gas
- CBoiling water
- DAutoclaving
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Ethylene oxide gas
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is effective for heat-sensitive instruments because it sterilizes at lower temperatures than autoclaving or dry heat, preventing damage to delicate materials. Autoclaving and dry heat use high temperatures, and boiling water does not achieve true sterilization.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dry heat sterilization uses very high temperatures, making it unsuitable for heat-sensitive items.
- C. Boiling water is disinfection, not sterilization, and will not kill all microorganisms, including spores.
- D. Autoclaving uses high heat and steam, which can damage heat-sensitive instruments.
Heat-Sensitive Instrument Sterilization
For instruments that cannot withstand high temperatures, chemical sterilization methods like ethylene oxide gas or glutaraldehyde are used to achieve sterility without causing damage.
- Heat-sensitive items require low-temp methods.
- Ethylene oxide is a common gas sterilant.
- Glutaraldehyde is a liquid chemical sterilant.
Memory trick: Heat-Sensitive = Chemical Cleanse.