The correct answer is C, "sterilizer identification number or code," as this is the essential information that each item or package prepared for sterilization should be labeled with. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, proper labeling of sterilized items is a critical component of infection prevention and control to ensure traceability and verify the sterilization process. The sterilizer identification number or code links the item to a specific sterilization cycle, allowing the infection preventionist (IP) and sterile processing staff to track the equipment used, confirm compliance with standards (e.g., AAMI ST79), and facilitate recall or investigation if issues arise (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 - Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment). This labeling ensures that the sterility of the item can be assured and documented, protecting patient safety by preventing the use of inadequately processed items.
Option A (storage location) is important for inventory management but is not directly related to the sterilization process itself and does not provide evidence of the sterilization event. Option B (type of sterilization process) indicates the method (e.g., steam, ethylene oxide), which is useful but less critical than the sterilizer identification, as the process type alone does not confirm the specific cycle or equipment used. Option D (cleaning method, e.g., mechanical or manual) is a preliminary step in reprocessing, but it is not required on the sterilization label, as the focus shifts to sterilization verification once the item is prepared.
The requirement for a sterilizer identification number or code aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on maintaining rigorous tracking and quality assurance in the reprocessing of medical devices, ensuring accountability and adherence to best practices (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.5 - Evaluate the environment for infection risks). This practice is mandated by standards such as AAMI ST79 to support effective infection control in healthcare settings.
References: CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competencies 3.3 - Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment, 3.5 - Evaluate the environment for infection risks. AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities.
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