Autoclave Parameters — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateMicrobiologyAutoclave ParametersMFDS Part 1

In a UK primary care dental practice, reusable instruments are compatible with the standard high-temperature steam-sterilisation cycle. According to HTM 01-05, which temperature and minimum holding time should be used as the sterilisation benchmark?

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Correct answer: A — 134–138°C for at least 3 minutes

Explanation lettering: C = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · B = shown as E

A is correct. HTM 01-05 states that reusable dental instruments should be assessed for compatibility with steam sterilisation at 134–138°C for a minimum of three minutes. The cycle must also be validated, and the instrument and steriliser manufacturers’ instructions must be followed. A type B steriliser refers principally to the air-removal process and capacity to process relevant loads; it does not, by itself, establish a different universal temperature–time requirement. Option B is a recognised lower-temperature steam exposure in some validated systems, but it is not the high-temperature benchmark specified here. Option C is around the boiling point of water and is not an adequate pressurised-steam sterilisation cycle. Options D and E are dry-heat-type conditions rather than standard benchtop steam-steriliser parameters.

Reference: Department of Health, Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, 2013 edition, paragraph 10.23. https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/HTM_01-05_2013.pdf