New York Tattoo License Practice Test

During instrument sterilization, where should spore strips be placed?

1. On the top of the load

2. In a separate container

3. In the center of the load

4. On the outside of the autoclave

The correct answer is: In the center of the load

The correct choice is to place spore strips in the center of the load during instrument sterilization because this location allows for optimal exposure to the sterilizing conditions, such as steam and temperature, inside the autoclave. The center of the load is often the area where the penetration of steam is strongest, which is crucial for achieving the minimum sterilization parameters. Spore strips are biological indicators used to verify that the sterilization process is effective. They contain spores of a heat-resistant bacterium, and their placement in the center ensures that they are subjected to the same conditions as the instruments that are being sterilized. If the spores survive, it indicates that the sterilization may not have been effective, prompting a need for further investigation or adjustment of the sterilization process. Other locations, such as the top of the load, would not provide adequate exposure to the necessary sterilizing conditions, while placing them in a separate container or on the outside of the autoclave would prevent them from undergoing the sterilization process effectively. This is why positioning spore strips in the center is critical to ensure accurate testing of the sterilization efficacy.