Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

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What liquid is used in an autoclave for sterilizing instruments and supplies?

Distilled water
Alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Saline solution

The correct answer is: Distilled water

The correct choice is distilled water. In an autoclave, distilled water is crucial because it is used to create steam, which is the primary agent for sterilization. The autoclave operates by using high-pressure steam that reaches temperatures of at least 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) for a specific duration. This steam penetrates instruments and supplies, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, thereby ensuring a high level of sterility. Using distilled water is essential because it is free of impurities and minerals that could deposit on the autoclave's components, potentially affecting its efficiency and longevity. Other liquids such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or saline solution are not suitable for this process, as they do not produce the necessary steam for sterilization in an autoclave. Each of these alternatives serves different purposes in medical and laboratory settings but does not fulfill the role of providing steam for instrument sterilization in an autoclave.