CABT Sterilization and Infection Control 2

Question 1

High-level disinfection (HLD) differs from sterilization in that HLD:

Accepted Answer

Eliminates all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores

Answer

Eliminates all microorganisms including all spore concentrations

Answer

Kills only gram-positive vegetative bacteria

Answer

Is used only for non-critical environmental surfaces

Question 2

Which class of chemical indicator provides the most reliable evidence that all critical parameters of a sterilization cycle were met?

Accepted Answer

Class 5 integrating indicators

Answer

Class 1 process (exposure) indicators

Answer

Class 4 multi-variable indicators

Answer

Class 2 Bowie-Dick test indicators

Question 3

According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, what practice must biomedical technicians follow when handling potentially contaminated equipment?

Accepted Answer

Following Standard Precautions with appropriate PPE for all potentially infectious material

Answer

Using only gloves when decontaminating visibly soiled items

Answer

Discarding all used instruments after a single-use procedure

Answer

Applying low-level disinfection to all biomedical equipment regardless of contact type

Question 4

Which water type is recommended for use in steam sterilizers to prevent mineral scaling and equipment damage?

Accepted Answer

Distilled or deionized water

Answer

Standard municipal tap water

Answer

Softened water treated with sodium chloride

Answer

Filtered but not deionized water

Question 5

When storing sterile packages after processing, which factor is most critical for maintaining sterility?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining packaging integrity and protecting from moisture and physical damage

Answer

Storing in a temperature-controlled refrigerator below 20°C

Answer

Re-sterilizing packages stored for more than 30 days regardless of condition

Answer

Keeping packages in a humidity-controlled environment above 60% RH

Question 6

Glutaraldehyde (2%) used as a high-level disinfectant requires a minimum immersion contact time of approximately:

Accepted Answer

20–45 minutes for high-level disinfection

Answer

5 minutes at room temperature

Answer

3 hours for complete inactivation of all pathogens

Answer

10 hours to achieve full sterilization of immersed instruments

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of the Bowie-Dick test performed in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers?

Accepted Answer

It detects air leaks and inadequate air removal that could impair steam penetration

Answer

It verifies that the required kill temperature was reached throughout the entire load

Answer

It confirms that biological indicators were successfully inactivated

Answer

It measures the concentration of residual ethylene oxide after sterilization