Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which factors influence the autoclave time required for sterilization?

1. Type of material, size of the material, contamination level

2. Humidity level, temperature, weight of item

3. Type of packaging, pressure settings, time of use

4. Color of items, surface area, volume of liquid

The correct answer is: Type of material, size of the material, contamination level

The correct choice highlights the key factors that actually influence autoclave time required for sterilization. The type of material is important because different materials have varying resistance to heat and moisture, which affects how quickly they reach the necessary temperature for effective sterilization. For instance, some materials may retain heat better than others, impacting how long they need to be exposed to steam. The size of the material plays a crucial role as well since larger items or those that are densely packed can impede steam penetration, making it necessary to extend the autoclave time to ensure proper sterilization throughout. Lastly, the contamination level affects the required sterilization time because heavily contaminated items often require more time to achieve sterilization, as the increased microbial load can take longer to kill. Other options include elements that either do not pertain directly to autoclaving or are less influential. For instance, while humidity level and temperature are relevant, the weight of the item does not typically influence autoclave time in the same way as the factors provided in the correct choice.