CBET Sterilization and Infection Control Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum concentration of glutaraldehyde required for high-level disinfection of semicritical medical devices?
- 0.5%
- 1.0%
- 2.0% (Correct answer)
- 3.5%
Correct answer: 2.0%
A minimum concentration of 2% glutaraldehyde is required to achieve high-level disinfection within the recommended contact time.
Question 2: Which type of chemical indicator confirms that a package was exposed to sterilization conditions, not just that sterilization was achieved?
- Class 1 process indicator (Correct answer)
- Class 5 integrating indicator
- Class 6 emulating indicator
- Biological indicator
Correct answer: Class 1 process indicator
Class 1 process indicators (e.g., autoclave tape) only show that an item was processed; they do not confirm sterilization conditions were met.
Question 3: Dry heat sterilization at 160°C requires what minimum exposure time to achieve sterilization?
- 30 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 120 minutes (Correct answer)
- 180 minutes
Correct answer: 120 minutes
Dry heat sterilization at 160°C (320°F) requires a minimum of 120 minutes to kill all microorganisms, as dry heat is less efficient than moist heat.
Question 4: A washer-disinfector used for surgical instrument reprocessing must achieve what temperature during the thermal disinfection phase to meet A0 600 standard?
- 60°C for 1 minute
- 71°C for 3 minutes
- 80°C for 10 minutes
- 90°C for 1 minute (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 90°C for 1 minute
An A0 value of 600 can be achieved at 90°C for 1 minute, which is the thermal disinfection threshold meeting ISO 15883 standards.
Question 5: Which factor most significantly reduces the effectiveness of chemical sterilants and disinfectants?
- Low ambient temperature
- Presence of organic matter (bioburden) (Correct answer)
- High humidity in storage area
- Plastic packaging materials
Correct answer: Presence of organic matter (bioburden)
Organic matter such as blood, tissue, and protein deposits inactivates chemical disinfectants and sterilants, making thorough cleaning before disinfection critical.
Question 6: What is the purpose of aeration after ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization?
- To activate the sterilant residuals
- To remove toxic EtO residues from processed items (Correct answer)
- To cool the sterilization chamber
- To re-humidify the sterilized materials
Correct answer: To remove toxic EtO residues from processed items
EtO leaves toxic residues on sterilized items that can cause patient harm; aeration allows the residues to off-gas to safe levels before use.
Question 7: When a BIOMED technician validates a new sterilizer installation, which test must be performed to confirm steam quality?
- Bowie-Dick test only
- Biological indicator test only
- Superheat test only
- Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ)
FDA and AAMI standards require IQ, OQ, and PQ validation for sterilizer installation to confirm equipment is installed correctly, operates within specifications, and performs consistently.
CBET Sterilization and Infection Control Equipment 2
What is the minimum concentration of glutaraldehyde required for high-level disinfection of semicritical medical devices?