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For how long can a wrapped sterilized instrument remain usable without re-sterilization?

  1. 6 months

  2. 1 year

  3. 2 years

  4. 3 months

The correct answer is: 1 year

The correct response indicates that a wrapped sterilized instrument can remain usable for up to one year without needing re-sterilization. This time frame is based on guidelines from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), which widely recognize that sterilized instruments, when properly wrapped and stored under appropriate conditions, can maintain their sterility for this duration. A key factor in this process includes proper storage conditions, which should involve a clean, dry, and controlled environment to prevent contamination. The one-year period considers that even in optimal conditions, there may be some risk factors, such as air exposure, dust accumulation, and other environmental variables that could affect sterility over time. Thus, after one year, the risk of contamination increases significantly, and re-sterilization is recommended to ensure safety. The other potential time frames presented do not align with the established standards for sterilized instruments. They may either underestimate or overestimate the practical usability period based on those guidelines.