Which objects are appropriate for glass bead sterilizers?

Which objects are appropriate for glass bead sterilizers?

• A. Large plastic items
• B. Small metallic tools
• C. Glass artifacts
• D. Paper tools

Answer: (B)

Dry heat sterilization with glass bead devices relies on extremely hot beads to kill microbes on the surface of items. Because of the high heat, only materials that can tolerate that temperature and fit among the beads are appropriate. Small metallic tools fit well—they are heat resistant, conduct heat effectively, and can be sterilized quickly without being damaged. Plastic items would melt or warp in the hot beads, and paper tools could burn. Glass artifacts may be damaged by the intense heat or suffer thermal shock from rapid temperature changes. So the best match for this method is small metallic tools.

Dry heat sterilization with glass bead devices relies on extremely hot beads to kill microbes on the surface of items. Because of the high heat, only materials that can tolerate that temperature and fit among the beads are appropriate. Small metallic tools fit well—they are heat resistant, conduct heat effectively, and can be sterilized quickly without being damaged.

Plastic items would melt or warp in the hot beads, and paper tools could burn. Glass artifacts may be damaged by the intense heat or suffer thermal shock from rapid temperature changes. So the best match for this method is small metallic tools.