Autoclave MCQ Questions and Answers
Autoclave MCQ: Autoclaves are machines that use pressurized steam to sterilize objects by eliminating microorganisms. Also known as high-pressure steam sterilizers, autoclaves were invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879, addressing the need for a more reliable sterilization method than open flames, especially as aseptic surgery gained importance. Autoclaves are considered highly effective for moist heat sterilization, using steam as the sterilizing agent.
Autoclaves come in various sizes, shapes, and functions, and can be classified into portable sterilizers and vertical autoclaves. They typically consist of a sealable barrel, pressure gauge, exhaust valve, safety valve, and electric heating elements. Autoclaves are used to disinfect and sterilize culture media, medical equipment, glassware, and instruments of various shapes and sizes, including solids, liquids, and hollow items.
Similar to a basic pressure cooker, autoclaves use steam power to kill germs, spores, and bacteria that resist boiling water, making them powerful cleaners. Autoclave sterilizers are widely utilized in educational institutions, healthcare, the food and chemical industries, scientific research, and other fields to ensure the sterility of equipment.
Autoclave MCQ Questions and Answers
Q1. What is an autoclave?
a) An autoclave is a pressure chamber used to carry out industrial processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure different from ambient air pressure.
b) An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores
c) Both of these
d) None of These
Answer: C) Both of these
Explanation: An autoclave is both a pressure chamber used for industrial processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure different from ambient air pressure, and a machine that uses steam under pressure to sterilize equipment by killing harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
Q2. Who invented the autoclave?
a) Pasteur
b) Charles Chamberland
c) Arnold O. Beckman
d) Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Answer: B) Charles Chamberland
Explanation: Charles Chamberland, a French microbiologist, is credited with inventing the autoclave in 1879.
Q3. __ is a pressure chamber used to carry out processes at high temperatures and pressure.
a) Oven
b) Micro clave
c) Autoclave
d) Hot air oven
Answer: C) Autoclave
Explanation: An autoclave is a pressure chamber specifically designed to carry out processes requiring high temperatures and pressure, commonly used for sterilization.
Q4. The autoclave process gives a _ pathogen and virus kill rate.
a) high
b) very high
c) low
d) very low
Answer: B) very high
Explanation: Autoclaving is highly effective at killing pathogens and viruses, achieving a very high kill rate due to the combination of steam, heat, and pressure.
Q5. Autoclaves are used in medical applications to perform __
a) Vulcanization
b) Sterilization
c) Heating
d) Cleaning
Answer: B) Sterilization
Explanation: In medical settings, autoclaves are primarily used for sterilizing medical instruments and other equipment to ensure they are free from microorganisms.
Q6. What is the inner surface of autoclaves made of?
a) Mild steel
b) Stainless steel
c) Copper
d) Aluminum
Answer: B) Stainless steel
Explanation: The inner surface of autoclaves is made of stainless steel due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure.
Q7. What is the standard temperature used in autoclaves?
a) 121˚C
b) 109˚C
c) 135˚C
d) 142˚C
Answer: A) 121˚C
Explanation: The standard temperature for autoclaving is 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit), which is effective for sterilization.
Q8. The principle of autoclave is_______
a) Dry Heat
b) Moist heat
c) Steam under pressure
d) Both A & B
Answer: C) Steam under pressure
Explanation: The principle of an autoclave involves using steam under pressure to achieve sterilization by increasing the temperature beyond the boiling point of water.
Q9. Which bacteria is used in an autoclave as an indicator_____
a) Bacillus stearothermophilus
b) Deinococcus radiodurans
c) Escherichia coli
d) Salmonella typhimurium
Answer: A) Bacillus stearothermophilus
Explanation: Bacillus stearothermophilus spores are used as biological indicators in autoclaves because they are highly resistant to heat, providing a reliable means of confirming the efficacy of the sterilization process.
Q10. The condition required for autoclave_________
a) 111 degree Celsius temp. for 20 min
b) 121 degree Celsius temperature and 15 lbs. pressure for 20 min.
c) 120 degree Celsius temperature and 20 lbs. pressure for 30 min
d) 150 degrees Celsius temp for 1 h
Answer: B) 121 degree Celsius temperature and 15 lbs. pressure for 20 min.
Explanation: The standard conditions for autoclaving are 121 degrees Celsius at 15 psi (pounds per square inch) for 20 minutes, which ensures effective sterilization.
Q11. What is the pressure of the autoclave?
a) 15 psi.
b) 20 psi.
c) 30 psi.
d) 50 psi.
Answer: A) 15 psi
Explanation: The typical operating pressure for an autoclave is 15 psi (pounds per square inch), which is necessary to achieve the high temperatures required for sterilization.
Q12. Who is the father of the autoclave?
a) Charles Chamberland
b) Pasteur
c) Arnold O. Beckman
d) Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Answer: A) Charles Chamberland
Explanation: Charles Chamberland is known as the father of the autoclave due to his invention and development of the first practical autoclave.
Q13. Which instrument Cannot be autoclaved?
a) materials that are contaminated with solvents,
b) radioactive materials, volatile or corrosive chemicals
c) items that contain mutagens, carcinogens, or teratogens.
d) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Materials contaminated with solvents, radioactive materials, volatile or corrosive chemicals, and items containing mutagens, carcinogens, or teratogens cannot be autoclaved due to the risks associated with these substances under high pressure and temperature.