Microbiology Practice Exam

What would be used to sterilize disposable prepackaged gloves?

1. Heat

2. Alcohol

3. Gamma radiation

4. Chlorine bleach

The correct answer is: Gamma radiation

Gamma radiation is an effective method for sterilizing disposable prepackaged gloves because it can penetrate packaging and effectively kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This method works by using high-energy gamma rays to disrupt the DNA of the microorganisms, preventing them from replicating and causing infection. Gamma radiation is particularly suitable for materials that cannot be exposed to high temperatures or moisture, which can occur with heat sterilization. It is a common practice in the healthcare and food industries for sterilizing a variety of products, such as surgical gloves, because it ensures that the items remain sterile until they are opened for use, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination and infection. Other methods, while effective for cleaning or disinfecting surfaces, do not provide the same level of assurance for sterilization in prepackaged settings. For instance, heat could damage the gloves, alcohol may not penetrate the packaging effectively to achieve sterilization, and chlorine bleach is generally used for disinfection rather than sterilization, particularly on surfaces or in dilute mixes. Thus, gamma radiation is the most reliable choice for sterilizing disposable gloves that are prepackaged.