OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which specification is not guaranteed by filters?

1. Provide virus-free filtrates

2. Made of asbestos, cellulose esters or colloidin

3. Are made to order with specific pore sizes

4. All guarantee sterility of the final product

The correct answer is: All guarantee sterility of the final product

The correct answer is that filters do not guarantee sterility of the final product. While filters are designed to remove contaminants, including bacteria and particulates, the process does not ensure that the final solution or product is completely sterile. Factors such as the initial load of microorganisms, the effectiveness of the filter in capturing specific pathogens, and the possibility of breakthrough can affect the sterility of the filtrate. On the other hand, many filters are designed with specific materials like cellulose esters or colloidin, and they can indeed be made to order based on specific pore sizes to meet application requirements. Additionally, while filters are effective in reducing microbial load, they cannot certify that all contaminants, including viruses, are eliminated from a filtrate. Thus, while a filter can greatly reduce the likelihood of contamination, it does not provide an absolute guarantee of sterility.