Which option correctly lists sterilisation factors for drapes and swabs?

Which option correctly lists sterilisation factors for drapes and swabs?

• A. PSI: 15; TEMP: 121; TIME: 25min
• B. PSI: 10; TEMP: 120; TIME: 30min
• C. PSI: 18; TEMP: 125; TIME: 40min
• D. PSI: 15; TEMP: 121; TIME: 30min

Answer: (D)

Drapes and swabs are treated as wrapped loads in steam sterilization, so they need a full wrapped-pack cycle to ensure complete penetration of the wrap and kill all spores. The standard cycle for wrapped packs is 15 psi at 121°C for 30 minutes. This timing provides reliable sterilization for these items without compromising the wrap. Shorter times at the same temperature, or deviations in temperature or time (such as 120°C or 125°C with longer cycles) do not align with the conventional wrapped-pack parameters used for drapes and swabs.

Drapes and swabs are treated as wrapped loads in steam sterilization, so they need a full wrapped-pack cycle to ensure complete penetration of the wrap and kill all spores. The standard cycle for wrapped packs is 15 psi at 121°C for 30 minutes. This timing provides reliable sterilization for these items without compromising the wrap. Shorter times at the same temperature, or deviations in temperature or time (such as 120°C or 125°C with longer cycles) do not align with the conventional wrapped-pack parameters used for drapes and swabs.