Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

Which stage of steam sterilization follows exposure?

1. Conditioning

2. Drying

3. Exhaust

4. Cooling

The correct answer is: Exhaust

The stage of steam sterilization that follows exposure is the exhaust phase. This phase involves the removal of the steam and the condensed water from the sterilization chamber after the required exposure time has been completed. The primary purpose of this stage is to create a vacuum or allow atmospheric air to enter the chamber, thereby facilitating the removal of moisture from the sterilized items. During the exhaust phase, the chamber returns to atmospheric pressure, and any residual steam is vented out. This is crucial because proper moisture removal is essential to ensure that items are not left wet, which can lead to compromised sterility and potentially facilitate microbial growth. The other stages mentioned, such as conditioning, drying, and cooling, have distinct roles within the sterilization process. Conditioning prepares the items for effective sterilization, drying removes moisture after sterilization, and cooling allows the sterilized items to reach a safe temperature for handling. However, none of these stages occur immediately after the exposure phase; hence, the correct answer is the exhaust phase.