Problem: A CST is setting up the back table and Mayo stand for a laparoscopic tubal ligation. One of the trays was steam sterilized in a rigid container and the wrapped laparoscopy tray was sterilized by vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). While organizing the back table for the instruments, the CST asked the circulator to check the tray wrapper for holes after the CST picked the tray up. No holes were noted and the CST placed the tray on the back table, along with the laparotomy tray from the container. As the circulator was putting the tray wrapper in the trash hamper, there was an audible gasp followed by an alarmed, "Stop! The tray isn't sterile. Look, the indicator tape didn't turn black like the other tray did!" Discussion Questions:
1. What are the color changes of chemical indicators for VHP (vaporized hydrogen peroxide) sterilization before and after processing?
2. What are the color changes of chemical indicators for steam sterilization before and after processing? Need Assignment Help?
3. Why might the circulator have thought the tray was unsterile?
4. Was either tray actually unsterile, or were both processed appropriately?
5. What corrective action must be taken if one of the trays is determined to?