Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What method of monitoring is commonly referred to as spore testing?

1. Biological

2. Chemical

3. Physical

4. Radiological

The correct answer is: Biological

Spore testing, also known as biological monitoring, is a method used to evaluate the effectiveness of sterilization processes in settings like healthcare and esthetics. This process involves the use of bacterial spores that are resistant to sterilization methods. These spores are placed in the sterilizing equipment alongside instruments to be sterilized. After the cycle is completed, the spores are cultured to see if they have survived the process. If the spores do not grow, it indicates that the sterilization was effective, as the bacterial spores were successfully killed. This method is distinct from chemical monitoring, which involves using indicators that change color to confirm sterilization conditions, and physical monitoring, which relies on observing physical parameters, such as temperature and pressure, during the sterilization process. Radiological monitoring is not relevant in this context, as it typically pertains to assessing the levels of radiation or radioactive contamination, rather than sterilization efficacy. Hence, "biological" is the appropriate term used for spore testing in the context of monitoring sterilization procedures.