What is the process known as Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) designed for?

• A. Cleaning and disinfecting kid surgical instruments
• B. Cleaning, steam sterilization, and delivery of patient care items for immediate use
• C. Long-term storage of surgical instruments
• D. Preparation of surgical instruments for autoclave sterilization

Answer: (B)

Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) is a crucial process in surgical settings that addresses the need for rapid sterilization of instruments that are required for immediate surgical procedures. The primary goal of IUSS is to ensure that surgical instruments and other patient care items are cleaned, steam sterilized, and promptly made available for immediate use during surgeries when time is of the essence. This can occur in situations where there isn't enough time for traditional processing methods, allowing for the prevention of delays in patient care.

The IUSS process is carefully controlled to ensure that items are effectively sterilized, meeting the required parameters for steam sterilization. It is important to follow strict protocols during this process to prevent any risk of infection due to improper sterilization. The ability to rapidly prepare instruments in this manner supports the efficiency of surgical services, ensuring that surgical teams have the necessary tools to proceed without delays.

Other options do not accurately capture the specific purpose of IUSS. For example, cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments does not encompass the full sterilization process. Long-term storage focuses on ensuring instruments are sterile over extended periods, which contradicts the immediate aim of IUSS. Lastly, preparation for autoclave sterilization refers to the initial steps taken prior to a standard,