Multiple Choice
Ethylene oxide is gas that:
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11. Controlling Microbial Growth
Chemical Gases: Ethylene Oxide, Ozone, & Formaldehyde
1:28 minutesProblem 2
Textbook Question
Which of the following is most effective for sterilizing mattresses and plastic Petri dishes?
a. Chlorine
b. Ethylene oxide
c. Glutaraldehyde
d. Autoclaving
e. Nonionizing radiation
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the nature of the materials to be sterilized. Mattresses and plastic Petri dishes are heat-sensitive and can be damaged by high temperatures or moisture.
Step 2: Evaluate each sterilization method's suitability for heat-sensitive materials: chlorine is a chemical disinfectant but not a sterilant and can damage materials; autoclaving uses high heat and pressure, which can deform plastics and mattresses; nonionizing radiation (like UV) has limited penetration and is mostly surface-level.
Step 3: Consider ethylene oxide, a gaseous sterilant that can penetrate porous materials and sterilize heat-sensitive items without damaging them, making it suitable for mattresses and plastic Petri dishes.
Step 4: Glutaraldehyde is a liquid chemical sterilant effective for instruments but less practical for large or porous items like mattresses and may leave residues on plastics.
Step 5: Conclude that ethylene oxide is the most effective sterilization method among the options for heat-sensitive and porous materials such as mattresses and plastic Petri dishes.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sterilization Methods and Their Applications
Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores. Different methods like autoclaving, chemical sterilants, and radiation vary in effectiveness depending on the material being sterilized. Understanding which method suits heat-sensitive or heat-resistant items is crucial for effective sterilization.
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Autoclaving and Its Mechanism
Autoclaving uses pressurized steam at high temperatures (usually 121°C) to kill all microbes and spores. It is highly effective for heat-resistant materials like metal and glass but can damage heat-sensitive items such as plastics or mattresses. Its efficiency and limitations must be considered when selecting sterilization methods.
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Chemical Sterilants: Ethylene Oxide and Glutaraldehyde
Ethylene oxide is a gaseous sterilant effective for heat- and moisture-sensitive materials, penetrating porous items like mattresses and plastics without damage. Glutaraldehyde is a liquid disinfectant used for sterilizing medical equipment but requires long exposure times and may not be suitable for all materials. Their chemical properties influence their practical use.
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