Question

which of the following statements are true of autoclaves?
□ manual autoclaves are obsolete and no longer used in medical offices.
□ exact temperature and pressure requirements vary with the model and type of autoclave.
□ modern autoclaves operate as automatically as possible.
□ in general, autoclave temperatures must reach 150-210°f to ensure sterility.
□ typically, the chamber pressure gauge must show 15-30 pounds of pressure.

Explanation:

1. Manual autoclaves are obsolete...: Manual autoclaves are still used in some settings, so this is false.
2. Exact temperature and pressure...: Different autoclave models/types have varying requirements, so this is true.
3. Modern autoclaves operate...: Modern autoclaves are designed for automatic operation, so this is true.
4. In general, autoclave temperatures...: Standard sterilization temp is ~250°F (121°C), 150 - 210°F is too low, so this is false.
5. Typically, the chamber pressure...: Standard pressure is ~15 psi (pounds per square inch, not pounds of pressure as phrased, but the value 15 - 30 psi is in the range for sterilization, so this is true (assuming the phrasing is a simplification).

Answer:

• Exact temperature and pressure requirements vary with the model and type of autoclave.
• Modern autoclaves operate as automatically as possible.
• Typically, the chamber pressure gauge must show 15 - 30 pounds of pressure.