Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an alternative to using chemical disinfectants for sterilization?

1. Boiling water

2. Ultraviolet light

3. A 1:10 bleach solution

4. Steam sterilization

The correct answer is: A 1:10 bleach solution

The answer concerning an alternative to using chemical disinfectants for sterilization is actually boiling water. Boiling water effectively kills many types of pathogens and can serve as a practical method for sterilization in certain situations, primarily by denaturing proteins and destroying cellular structures of microorganisms. The use of a 1:10 bleach solution is more aligned with chemical disinfectants rather than being an alternative for sterilization. This solution is indeed a common disinfectant, particularly for surfaces, but it does not belong in the category of non-chemical sterilization methods. On the other hand, ultraviolet light is also a viable method for disinfection, utilizing its ability to inactivate microorganisms by damaging their DNA. However, it is considered more of a disinfection method rather than sterilization, as it may not effectively penetrate all materials or complex surfaces. Similarly, steam sterilization, or autoclaving, is one of the most widely used methods for sterilization in healthcare settings, using high-pressure steam to kill all forms of microbial life. Considering these aspects, boiling water stands out as a non-chemical method suitable for achieving sterilization.