CRCST Chapter 16 Practice Test: Low-Temperature Sterilization

Many modern medical devices — flexible endoscopes, powered instruments, heat-sensitive plastics, and fiber optics — cannot withstand steam sterilization temperatures. This chapter covers the low-temperature alternatives: ethylene oxide (EO), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (Sterrad), vaporized hydrogen peroxide (V-Pro), and ozone sterilization. Each method has specific advantages, limitations, material compatibilities, and safety considerations. EO is highly penetrating but requires long aeration times and is toxic. Hydrogen peroxide systems are faster and safer but cannot process long narrow lumens or cellulose materials. You will learn cycle parameters, required monitoring, packaging restrictions (no wrapped cellulose with H2O2), and how to select the appropriate method based on device IFU and material composition.