AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following methods removes small organic particles and soil from the box locks and ratchets of instruments?

1. Surgical scrub

2. Ultrasonic washer

3. Chemical sterilization

4. Mechanical cleaning

The correct answer is: Ultrasonic washer

The ultrasonic washer is effective for removing small organic particles and soil from the box locks and ratchets of surgical instruments due to its unique cleaning mechanism. It utilizes high-frequency sound waves that create cavitation bubbles in a cleaning solution. When these bubbles implode, they generate tiny shockwaves that dislodge contaminants from even the most intricate and hard-to-reach areas of the instruments, including box locks and ratchets. Other methods, while useful in their own right, do not offer the same level of cleaning for small nooks and crannies. For instance, surgical scrubs may be effective for surface cleaning but might not penetrate deeply enough to clean complex mechanisms. Chemical sterilization is focused more on killing microorganisms rather than removing physical debris. Mechanical cleaning, while beneficial, often relies on physical scrubbing, which may not effectively dislodge particles lodged in intricate designs like those found in box locks and ratchets of surgical instruments. Therefore, the ultrasonic washer is the most appropriate choice for this particular cleaning challenge.