Module I Chpt 21 Questions and
Answers with complete solution
List 7 steps and techniques for instrument processing - Answer 1. Transport
2. Cleaning
3. Packaging
4. Sterilization
5. Storage
6. Delivery
7. Quality
What are the three most common methods of heat sterilization - Answer Steam sterilization
Chemical vapor
Dry heat
Steam sterilization - Answer An autoclave is used to sterilize dental instruments and other items by
means of steam under pressure.Involves heating water to generate steam producing moist heat that
rapidly kills microorganisms. Disadvantage - moisture may cause corrosion on some high carbon steel
instruments
Chemical vapor - Answer Short cycle time ability to dry instruments after the cycle. does not rust or
corrode. similar to autoclave. combination of chemicals instead of water
Dry heat sterilization - Answer instrument will not rust if they are thoroughly dry before being placed in
the higher temperatures than does steam or chemical-vapor sterilization. operate 160° to 190° C & 320°-
375° F
Immersion disinfectants - Answer Destroy all microbial. Time 6-30 hrs. USE PPE. lids close. Toxic eyes,
skin, lungs
What are the 3 classifications of instruments use to determine the type of processing - Answer 1. Critical
, 2. Semi critical
3. Noncritical
What should immersion disinfectant be used for? - Answer Used for immersion or soaking of heat
sensitive instruments and should never be used as surface disinfectants.
immersion disinfectant - Answer Chlorine dioxide
Describe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the sterilization and
disinfection of patient-care items. - Answer • Use only US FDA cleared medical devices for sterilization
and follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct use (IB)
• Clean and heat sterilize critical dental instruments before each use (IA)
• Clean and heat sterilize semi-critical items before each use (IB)
• Allow packages to dry in the sterilizer before they are handled to avoid contamination (IB)
• Reprocess heat sensitive critical and semi-critical instruments by using FDA-cleared low-temperature
sterilization method (e.g. ethylene oxide). Follow manufacturer's instructions for use of chemical
sterilants/high-leve disinfectants (IB)
• Single use disposable instruments are acceptable alternatives if they are used only once and are
disposed of correctly (IB, IC)
• Do not use liquid chemical sterilants/high-level disinfectants for environmental surface disinfection or
as holding solutions (IB, IC)
• Ensure that noncritical patient care items are barrier protected or cleaned or, if visibly soiled, are
cleaned and disinfected after each use with an EPA registered hospital disinfectant. If visibly
contaminated with blood, use an EPA registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim (i.e.,
intermediate level) (IB)
Inform dental healthcare personnel of all OSHA guidelines for exposure to chemical agents used for
disinfection and sterilization
Describe the CDC guidelines for cleaning and decontaminating instruments - Answer • Minimize
handling of loose contaminated instruments during transport to the instrument processing area. Use
work practice controls to minimize exposure potential.(II)
• Clean all visible blood and other contamination from dental instruments and devices before
sterilization or disinfection procedures. (IA)
Answers with complete solution
List 7 steps and techniques for instrument processing - Answer 1. Transport
2. Cleaning
3. Packaging
4. Sterilization
5. Storage
6. Delivery
7. Quality
What are the three most common methods of heat sterilization - Answer Steam sterilization
Chemical vapor
Dry heat
Steam sterilization - Answer An autoclave is used to sterilize dental instruments and other items by
means of steam under pressure.Involves heating water to generate steam producing moist heat that
rapidly kills microorganisms. Disadvantage - moisture may cause corrosion on some high carbon steel
instruments
Chemical vapor - Answer Short cycle time ability to dry instruments after the cycle. does not rust or
corrode. similar to autoclave. combination of chemicals instead of water
Dry heat sterilization - Answer instrument will not rust if they are thoroughly dry before being placed in
the higher temperatures than does steam or chemical-vapor sterilization. operate 160° to 190° C & 320°-
375° F
Immersion disinfectants - Answer Destroy all microbial. Time 6-30 hrs. USE PPE. lids close. Toxic eyes,
skin, lungs
What are the 3 classifications of instruments use to determine the type of processing - Answer 1. Critical
, 2. Semi critical
3. Noncritical
What should immersion disinfectant be used for? - Answer Used for immersion or soaking of heat
sensitive instruments and should never be used as surface disinfectants.
immersion disinfectant - Answer Chlorine dioxide
Describe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the sterilization and
disinfection of patient-care items. - Answer • Use only US FDA cleared medical devices for sterilization
and follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct use (IB)
• Clean and heat sterilize critical dental instruments before each use (IA)
• Clean and heat sterilize semi-critical items before each use (IB)
• Allow packages to dry in the sterilizer before they are handled to avoid contamination (IB)
• Reprocess heat sensitive critical and semi-critical instruments by using FDA-cleared low-temperature
sterilization method (e.g. ethylene oxide). Follow manufacturer's instructions for use of chemical
sterilants/high-leve disinfectants (IB)
• Single use disposable instruments are acceptable alternatives if they are used only once and are
disposed of correctly (IB, IC)
• Do not use liquid chemical sterilants/high-level disinfectants for environmental surface disinfection or
as holding solutions (IB, IC)
• Ensure that noncritical patient care items are barrier protected or cleaned or, if visibly soiled, are
cleaned and disinfected after each use with an EPA registered hospital disinfectant. If visibly
contaminated with blood, use an EPA registered hospital disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim (i.e.,
intermediate level) (IB)
Inform dental healthcare personnel of all OSHA guidelines for exposure to chemical agents used for
disinfection and sterilization
Describe the CDC guidelines for cleaning and decontaminating instruments - Answer • Minimize
handling of loose contaminated instruments during transport to the instrument processing area. Use
work practice controls to minimize exposure potential.(II)
• Clean all visible blood and other contamination from dental instruments and devices before
sterilization or disinfection procedures. (IA)
