CBIC Sterilization and Disinfection Flashcards

Which disinfectant is considered a high-level disinfectant and is commonly used for heat-sensitive endoscopes?

Answer: Glutaraldehyde 2%

Glutaraldehyde 2% is an FDA-cleared high-level disinfectant widely used for reprocessing heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes.

The Bowie-Dick test is specifically designed to detect which sterilizer problem?

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.

Which factor is most critical when cleaning instruments before disinfection or sterilization?

Answer: Removal of all visible organic material

Thorough removal of organic material (bioburden) is critical because soil protects microorganisms from germicide penetration.

Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization is primarily used for which type of medical devices?

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.

What is the primary purpose of event-related sterility maintenance?

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.

Which organization publishes standards for reprocessing flexible endoscopes in the United States?

Answer: SGNA and APIC

The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) and APIC publish evidence-based guidelines for flexible endoscope reprocessing.