Prevacuum steam cycle time and temperature

CRCST practice question · Sterilization Process

A load of wrapped instrument sets is processed in a prevacuum steam sterilizer. Which exposure parameters are a standard minimum for this cycle type?

  • A. 270°F (132°C) for 4 minutes
  • B. 250°F (121°C) for 4 minutes
  • C. 270°F (132°C) for 1 minute
  • D. 230°F (110°C) for 30 minutes

Answer

A. 270°F (132°C) for 4 minutes

A dynamic air-removal (prevacuum) cycle at 270°F (132°C) for 4 minutes is the standard minimum exposure for wrapped instruments. A 250°F cycle needs a much longer exposure time, and 1 minute at 270°F is far too short for wrapped sets.

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