Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which method is NOT used to check the effectiveness of an autoclave cycle?

1. Biological spore strips

2. Autoclave tape

3. Gauges check

4. Temperature gradient testing

The correct answer is: Temperature gradient testing

The correct answer is based on the understanding that temperature gradient testing is not a recognized method for assessing the effectiveness of an autoclave cycle. Biological spore strips are a standard method for verifying autoclave performance. These strips contain non-pathogenic spores and are placed inside the autoclave during a cycle. After processing, the strips are cultured to see if the spores survived, thus confirming whether the sterilization conditions were effective. Autoclave tape is another common method used to indicate that items inside the autoclave have been subjected to the sterilization process. The tape changes color when exposed to the right conditions, suggesting that the process has occurred. Gauges check involves monitoring pressure and temperature gauges during the autoclave cycle, ensuring that the machine operates within the specified parameters required for effective sterilization. In contrast, temperature gradient testing is not typically utilized to validate an autoclave cycle's efficacy. This testing method involves measuring temperature variation at different points, but it does not directly indicate whether sterilization was achieved, making it less useful for this purpose.