AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

During the steam sterilization process, which agent is most commonly used?

1. Ethylene oxide

2. Hydrogen peroxide

3. Water vapor

4. Formaldehyde

The correct answer is: Water vapor

The steam sterilization process primarily relies on water vapor as the agent used for sterilization. Steam sterilization, often referred to as autoclaving, utilizes high-pressure steam to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present on surgical instruments and equipment. The presence of moisture in the steam is crucial because it allows for effective penetration and heat transfer, which are essential for achieving the high temperatures needed to eliminate pathogens. Water vapor, when heated to temperatures around 121-134 degrees Celsius under pressure, provides a reliable method of sterilization that is widely used across healthcare settings due to its efficiency, speed, and ability to sterilize a broad range of materials. Unlike the other agents listed, water vapor does not leave toxic residues nor does it require special handling procedures, making it the preferred choice for steam sterilization. In contrast, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and formaldehyde are used in other forms of sterilization but are not the primary agents in steam sterilization. Ethylene oxide is more suitable for gas sterilization, hydrogen peroxide is used in vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization, and formaldehyde is primarily utilized for its disinfectant properties but can be hazardous to handle. Therefore, water vapor stands out as the most common