CBIC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CBIC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the value of continuing education in surveillance for CBIC professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
2. A hospital reports 15 new CLABSI cases per 1,000 central line-days. This is an example of which epidemiological rate? → Specific rate
3. Which of the following is the MOST important risk factor for developing a surgical site infection (SSI)? → Prolonged preoperative hospitalization
4. In a prospective cohort study of SSI risk factors, the loss to follow-up of sicker patients would most likely introduce which type of bias? → Selection bias
5. ATP bioluminescence testing in healthcare environmental cleaning is PRIMARILY used to: → Measure organic soil burden as a surrogate for cleaning efficacy
6. An IP notices a cluster of Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections in the NICU over two weeks. The FIRST step should be to: → Verify case definitions and confirm the cluster is real
7. A case definition for HAI surveillance should be established BEFORE data collection begins primarily to: → Ensure consistent and unbiased case identification
8. Post-discharge surveillance for SSIs is important primarily because: → Many SSIs manifest after patients leave the hospital
9. Which federal agency collects and analyzes HAI data through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)? → CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
10. According to CDC guidelines, which situation requires handwashing with soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub? → When hands are visibly soiled with blood
11. The most likely cause of mastitis in nursing mothers is: → infant colonized with Staphylococcus aureus
12. A healthcare facility is experiencing a chickenpox outbreak. Which employees should be furloughed from patient contact areas? → Susceptible employees who lack documented immunity or prior varicella vaccination
13. Which regulatory body registers disinfectants used in U.S. healthcare facilities and sets the standards for efficacy claims? → Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
14. In a healthcare outbreak investigation, what does a secondary attack rate specifically measure? → Rate of new infections among close contacts of primary cases
15. According to NHSN criteria, what is the minimum timeframe after hospital admission before an infection is classified as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)? → 48 hours
16. Which factor most commonly contributes to healthcare worker non-compliance with hand hygiene? → Skin irritation from frequent handwashing
17. What role does collaboration play in environmental cleaning for CBIC professionals? → It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
18. Which calculation correctly expresses a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate per NHSN methodology? → (Number of CLABSIs / Number of central line days) × 1,000
19. Under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, healthcare employers must designate a person responsible for: → Notifying an exposed employee of the source patient's infectious disease status
20. When must an employer in the United States record a needlestick or sharps injury on the OSHA 300 log? → Always, as needlestick injuries are automatically recordable
21. Environmental sampling during an outbreak investigation is MOST appropriate when: → An environmental reservoir is suspected based on epidemiological evidence
22. Which kind of vascular access device (VAD) carries the lowest risk of infection for individuals who need hemodialysis? → arteriovenous fistula
23. Which antibiotic class is associated with the highest risk of selecting for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms? → Third-generation cephalosporins
24. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) can survive on dry environmental surfaces for up to: → Several weeks to months
25. Which isolation precaution category uses a single-occupancy room with positive air pressure and HEPA filtration? → Protective environment (PE)
26. Which concentration of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is recommended by the CDC for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with C. difficile spores? → 0.5% (5,000 ppm)
27. Which of the following best describes the role of the ICP in environmental cleaning programs? → Educating, auditing, and providing feedback to EVS on cleaning practices
28. During an outbreak of norovirus on an inpatient unit, which cleaning product is MOST appropriate for environmental decontamination? → Sodium hypochlorite solution
29. What role does collaboration play in outbreak investigation for CBIC professionals? → It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
30. When a patient on contact precautions for MRSA requires transfer to another unit, the infection preventionist should ensure: → The receiving unit is notified before the transfer occurs