Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

An MA is preparing sterilization for hemostats before an invasive procedure. Which of the following techniques should the assistant use?

1. Chemical cleaning

2. Autoclave

3. UV light exposure

4. Boiling water

The correct answer is: Autoclave

Using an autoclave is the most appropriate technique for sterilizing hemostats before an invasive procedure. An autoclave operates by sealing instruments in a chamber and using high-pressure steam to achieve sterilization. The combination of pressure and heat effectively eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, ensuring that the instruments are safe for use during a procedure. Other methods mentioned do not achieve the same level of sterility. Chemical cleaning may reduce the number of microorganisms but does not provide sterilization. UV light exposure can help disinfect surfaces but is not reliable for penetrating materials or ensuring complete sterility. Boiling water can kill some pathogens, but it is not a guaranteed sterilization technique, as it does not eliminate spores or certain resilient bacteria. Therefore, an autoclave remains the gold standard for ensuring that surgical instruments are properly sterilized and safe for patient care.