Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a method to verify sterilization?

1. Visual inspection of packaging

2. Review of equipment maintenance records

3. Use of chemical indicators

4. Testing for microbial residue

The correct answer is: Use of chemical indicators

Using chemical indicators is a recognized method to verify sterilization because these indicators respond to specific conditions of the sterilization process, such as temperature and pressure. When placed inside the sterilization package or on the instrument surface, they change in color or appearance when the proper conditions for sterilization are met. This provides immediate visual confirmation that the items have been processed under the appropriate parameters necessary for effective sterilization. While visual inspection of packaging and the review of equipment maintenance records are important steps in ensuring overall compliance with sterilization protocols, they do not directly indicate whether sterilization has actually occurred. Visual inspection may identify physical damages or breaches in packaging but does not confirm the sterility of the contents. Similarly, while equipment maintenance records are crucial for understanding the operational status of sterilization equipment, they do not provide real-time verification of a completed sterilization cycle. Testing for microbial residue involves more complex procedures, such as biological indicators or culture tests, which assess microbial presence after sterilization rather than indicating whether the sterilization process itself was successful in the first place. Thus, using chemical indicators strikes a balance of being practical and effective for immediate verification of the sterilization process.