Surgical Tech Practice Exam

What type of sterilizer utilizes steam to effectively sterilize surgical instruments?

1. Dry heat sterilizer

2. Ultraviolet sterilizer

3. High vacuum sterilizer

4. Ethylene oxide sterilizer

The correct answer is: High vacuum sterilizer

The type of sterilizer that utilizes steam to effectively sterilize surgical instruments is indeed a high vacuum sterilizer. This equipment uses steam under pressure, which is how it achieves deep penetration of heat into the instruments, leading to effective sterilization. The high vacuum feature is particularly important because it removes air from the sterilization chamber, ensuring that steam can contact the instruments directly and thoroughly, which is essential for effective sterilization. Other types of sterilizers listed work through different mechanisms. For instance, dry heat sterilizers use high temperatures without moisture, which can be effective but typically requires higher temperatures over longer periods. Ultraviolet sterilizers rely on UV light to eliminate microorganisms but do not provide the same level of thorough sterilization expected with steam. Ethylene oxide sterilizers use gas that requires a lengthy process and specific conditions to effectively sterilize instruments but is not based on steam.