Pyrogens are substances that do what?

Pyrogens are substances that are known to induce fever when introduced into the body. They are typically associated with infectious agents, particularly bacterial endotoxins, that can trigger an immune response resulting in elevated body temperature. Understanding the role of pyrogens is essential in sterile processing and healthcare settings because the presence of pyrogens in sterile products can lead to serious complications for patients.

In sterile processing, it is critical to ensure that medical devices and supplies are free from pyrogens to maintain patient safety. This is why specific sterilization methods, such as steam sterilization or dry heat sterilization, must be utilized effectively to eliminate these harmful substances.

While options related to cleaning, enhancing sterilization, and assisting in disinfection involve important aspects of sterile processing, they do not directly address the specific function of pyrogens. The focus on the fever-producing characteristic of pyrogens highlights the necessity of their elimination from sterile products to prevent adverse reactions in patients.