Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

What type of indicators are required for sterilizers to ensure effective operation?

1. Only color change indicators

2. Physical indicators, biological indicators, chemical indicators

3. Just biological indicators

4. Only process indicators

The correct answer is: Physical indicators, biological indicators, chemical indicators

The correct answer is that sterilizers require physical indicators, biological indicators, and chemical indicators to ensure effective operation. Physical indicators monitor parameters such as temperature, time, and pressure during the sterilization process. These indicators provide immediate feedback about whether the essential conditions for sterilization have been met. Biological indicators are critical for assessing the lethality of the sterilization process. They contain viable microorganisms that are highly resistant to the sterilization process. If these organisms are not killed, it indicates that the sterilization process was ineffective. Chemical indicators are also necessary as they provide visual evidence that a specific physical condition was met during the sterilization cycle. They change color or exhibit some other change when exposed to the sterilization process. Utilizing all three types of indicators creates a comprehensive approach to validating the sterilization process, ensuring that it is both effective and reliable. This multi-faceted verification is essential in the healthcare setting to maintain safety and patient care standards.