What is the main purpose of avoiding temperature and humidity extremes in sterile processing?

Study for the Sterile Processing Technician Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your certification exam!

Maintaining sterile integrity is crucial in the sterile processing environment because temperature and humidity levels can significantly impact the ability of sterile items to remain safe for use. High temperatures can lead to degradation of materials, affecting the performance and safety of instruments and devices. Similarly, high humidity levels can cause moisture to form on sterile items, which may facilitate bacterial growth or compromise packaging integrity. This could lead to contamination of items that are intended to be sterile, ultimately putting patients at risk during surgical procedures.

Therefore, controlling the environment helps ensure that sterility is maintained until the moment of use, which is essential for patient safety in healthcare settings.

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