Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Which method of sterilization employs vaporized hydrogen peroxide for delicate instruments?

1. Steam sterilization

2. Gamma irradiation

3. Dry heat sterilization

4. Sterrad

The correct answer is: Sterrad

The correct answer is the method that utilizes vaporized hydrogen peroxide specifically designed for sensitive instruments, which are not suitable for traditional heat-based sterilization methods. This approach, known as Sterrad, allows for effective sterilization at lower temperatures, making it ideal for delicate and heat-sensitive surgical instruments while ensuring a reduction in moisture, which can damage these tools. Sterrad systems employ a cycle where hydrogen peroxide is vaporized and then circulated, allowing for the effective penetration of the gas into crevices and areas that may harbor microorganisms. This method is efficient in achieving sterilization without the corrosive effects associated with steam or the longer exposure times of dry heat. Other sterilization techniques like steam sterilization, gamma irradiation, and dry heat sterilization, while effective in their own right, are either too harsh for delicate instruments or involve different mechanisms that do not utilize vaporized hydrogen peroxide.