Sponsored by Safety Checklist 8 which describes CIs as


“sterility indicators” which is technically incorrect, but in common use by medical and nursing practitioners. The checklist is designed to prevent accidental harm arising due to unforeseen circumstances and has been shown to be highly effective when implemented in practice. Clearly the use of non-sterile instruments during an OR procedure could be catastrophic for the patient, leading to infection or morbidity.2 Examination of the internal and external CIs provides one of the vital pieces of evidence ensuring sets are safe to use.


Conclusions


Chemical Indicators are one of three basic types of technology that can be used to routinely monitor the efficacy of sterilia- tion processes used in industry and the hospital SPD. They can be used to identify unprocessed from processed surgical instru- ment sets when adhered to the outside of packs, thereby avoiding non sterilied packs being sent to the OR department. They can be used to indicate that steriliing agent has penetrated through the sterile barrier system packaging and stated exposure conditions have been met, thereby avoiding


SELF-STUDY SERIES


inadequately or incorrectly processed loads being used.


Chemical Indicators are therefore an extremely useful and practical tool for ensuring SPD processes are functioning correctly. There are six types of Chemical Indicators and the test requirements for each is specified in standards. Several standards used by medical personnel describe the use of CIs to help OR teams determine if a surgi- cal instruments set is sterile. HPN


This article is part of a three-article series. Part three will be in our February issue.


References online at: https://hpnonline.com/21246339 CONTINUING EDUCATION TEST • DECEMBER 2021


Chemical Indicators for monitoring sterilization processes: Part two Circle the one correct answer:


1. Process indicators can identify processed from unprocessed load items (from Table 2) A. True


B. False


2. Type 4 chemical indicators can effectively moni- tor all critical variables in any sterilization cycle A. True


B. False


3. Type 5 chemical indicators or integrators can detect all the critical variables on steam sterilization cycles. A. True


B. False


4. Type 6 chemical indicators or emulators can be used in every modern steam sterilization cycle.


A. True B. False


5. Testing chemical indicator can be conducted in any steam sterilization equipment. A. True


B. False


6. The use of chemical indicators is part of the tools SPD’s professionals can use to detect potential cycle failure. A. True


B. False


7. The use of internal chemical indicator in every pack or containers is required on ANSI/AAMI ST 79:2017. A. True


B. False


The approval number for this lesson is 3M-HPN 211111.


Request for Scoring o I have enclosed the scoring fee of $10 for EACH test taken — Payable to Healthcare Purchasing News. We regret that no refunds can be given. (It is not neccessary to submit multiple tests separately.)


Detach exam and return to: Continuing Education Division Healthcare Purchasing News 2477 Stickney Point Road, Suite 315B Sarasota, FL 34231


PH: 941-927-9345 Fax: 941-927-9588


Please print or type. Return this page only. Name Title


Hospital Name Mailing Address Apt/Suite


City, State, Zip Daytime Phone Email


hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • December 2021 27 Presented by


8. Internal Chemical Indicators must be checked at the OR prior to the use of the instruments. A. True


B. False


9. Chemical indicators can be used only following its manufacturers instruction for use. A. True


B. False


10. Containers do not need to be assessed with external chemical indicators A. True


B. False


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50