CBIC CBIC Sterilization and Disinfection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which disinfectant is considered a high-level disinfectant and is commonly used for heat-sensitive endoscopes?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Glutaraldehyde 2% (Correct answer)
- Sodium hypochlorite 0.05%
Correct answer: Glutaraldehyde 2%
Glutaraldehyde 2% is an FDA-cleared high-level disinfectant widely used for reprocessing heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes.
Question 2: The Bowie-Dick test is specifically designed to detect which sterilizer problem?
- Inadequate sterilant concentration
- Air removal failures in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers (Correct answer)
- Incorrect temperature calibration
- Inadequate drying cycle performance
Correct answer: Air removal failures in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers
The Bowie-Dick test detects air removal failures and steam penetration issues in pre-vacuum (dynamic air removal) steam sterilizers.
Question 3: Which factor is most critical when cleaning instruments before disinfection or sterilization?
- Water temperature
- Removal of all visible organic material (Correct answer)
- Type of detergent used
- Soaking duration
Correct answer: Removal of all visible organic material
Thorough removal of organic material (bioburden) is critical because soil protects microorganisms from germicide penetration.
Question 4: Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization is primarily used for which type of medical devices?
- Metal surgical instruments
- Heat- and moisture-sensitive devices (Correct answer)
- Implantable orthopedic hardware
- Rigid endoscopes
Correct answer: Heat- and moisture-sensitive devices
ETO sterilization is used for devices that cannot withstand the heat and moisture of steam sterilization, such as plastics and electronics.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of event-related sterility maintenance?
- Sterility is maintained based on a fixed expiration date
- Sterility is maintained until the packaging is compromised (Correct answer)
- Sterility expires after 30 days regardless of packaging
- Sterility is guaranteed only with double-wrapping
Correct answer: Sterility is maintained until the packaging is compromised
Event-related sterility means a sterile package remains sterile until an event (such as damage, moisture, or opening) compromises the packaging integrity.
Question 6: Which organization publishes standards for reprocessing flexible endoscopes in the United States?
- OSHA
- CDC
- SGNA and APIC (Correct answer)
- EPA
Correct answer: SGNA and APIC
The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) and APIC publish evidence-based guidelines for flexible endoscope reprocessing.
CBIC CBIC Sterilization and Disinfection 2
Which disinfectant is considered a high-level disinfectant and is commonly used for heat-sensitive endoscopes?