AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

What is the primary concern when using a gravity displacement sterilizer?

1. Maintaining temperature solely

2. Ensuring proper air removal

3. Using steam as an agent

4. Limiting exposure time

The correct answer is: Ensuring proper air removal

The primary concern when using a gravity displacement sterilizer is ensuring proper air removal. In gravity displacement sterilizers, steam is introduced into a chamber to achieve sterilization, but before effective sterilization can occur, all air must be expelled from the chamber. Air pockets can prevent steam from reaching the surfaces of the instruments, leading to inadequate sterilization. Proper air removal allows for the steam to penetrate and envelop the items being sterilized, ensuring that the sterilization process is effective. If air is not removed adequately, it can create a barrier, resulting in ineffective sterilization. Therefore, achieving complete air removal is crucial for ensuring that the steam can function correctly as a sterilizing agent and that the items will be safely sterilized. While maintaining temperature, using steam, and limiting exposure time are important elements of the sterilization process, they are secondary to the essential requirement of complete air removal in the context of gravity displacement sterilizers.