Autoclave Water Quality — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Distilled or reverse-osmosis water
The correct answer is A. HTM 01-05 specifies that, where a sterilizer reservoir is used, it should be drained, rinsed and refilled with distilled or reverse-osmosis (RO) water. These low-mineral water types minimise scale formation and reduce the risk of damage to the sterilizer. Mains tap water and mineral water contain dissolved minerals and are therefore unsuitable for this purpose. Sterile saline is inappropriate because its salt content would promote deposits and corrosion. “Any available source” contradicts the explicit HTM requirement. The question concerns water for the sterilizer reservoir, not sterile irrigation fluid used during surgical procedures.
Reference: NHS England, Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices (2013 edition), Appendix 2, Table A2 (sterilizer reservoir water changes): https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HTM_01-05_2013.pdf