Chapter 11.L2, Problem 1CT

1. For each item on the following list, propose a reasonable method of sterilization. You cannot use the same method more than three times for the whole list. The method must sterilize, not just disinfect; and the method must not destroy the item or render it useless unless there is no other choice. After considering a workable method, think of a method that would not work. Note: Where an object containing something is given, you must sterilize everything (for example, both the jar and the petroleum jelly [Vaseline] in it). Some examples of sterilizing methods are autoclave, ethylene oxide gas, dry oven, and ionizing radiation

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The sterilization methods to be used for all the items give in the list.

Introduction:

There are several sterilization techniques which can be used. But, the technique to be used varies from object to object. Some of the sterilization techniques used are autoclaving, irradiation, filtration, chemical agents, etc.

Explanation of Solution

Different sterilization techniques need to be used for different types of objects. For examples, surgical instruments made of metal can be autoclaved but other plastic instruments and heat-sensitive medical device cannot be autoclaved. Instead they require irradiation or chemical sterilization. Sterilization technique for the objects in list are as follows:

Sr.No	Object	Sterilization technique
1	Room air	UV radiation
2	Serum	Filtration
3	A pot of soil	Dry heat oven
4	Plastic petri dishes	UV radiation
5	Heat-sensitive drugs	Ethylene oxide gas
6	Cloth dressing	Autoclaving
7	Leather shoes from a thrift shop	Dry oven
8	A cheese sandwich	Irradiation
9	A flask of nutrient agar	Autoclaving
10	An entire room (walls, floors, etc.)	Chlorine dioxide
11	Rubber gloves	Autoclaving
12	Disposable syringes	Irradiation
13	Carcasses of cows with “mad cow” disease	Glutaraldehyde
14	Inside of a refrigerator	Ethylene oxide gas
15	Wine	Filtration
16	A jar of Vaseline	Ionizing radiation
17	Fruit in plastic bags	Ionizing radiation
18	Milk	UV radiation
19	Orchid seeds	Ethylene oxide gas
20	Metal instruments	Autoclaving
21	Mail contaminated with anthrax spores	Ionizing radiation

Generally, all the techniques involving heat treatment would not be applicable for heat-sensitive product.

Conclusion

Different techniques need to be used for different objects, depending on their nature.