CBIC Sterilization and Disinfection Flashcards

Which concentration of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is recommended by the CDC for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with C. difficile spores?

Answer: 0.5% (5,000 ppm)

The CDC recommends a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (approximately 5,000 ppm or 0.5%) for C. difficile spore-contaminated surfaces.

Low-level disinfection is appropriate for which type of non-critical medical equipment?

Answer: Blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes

Non-critical items like blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes that contact only intact skin require only low-level disinfection.

Which sterilization method uses hydrogen peroxide plasma and is suitable for moisture-sensitive devices?

Answer: STERRAD (hydrogen peroxide gas plasma)

STERRAD systems use low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma to sterilize moisture-sensitive and heat-sensitive devices.

Which term describes the process of removing contamination from an item to make it safe for handling by unprotected personnel?

Answer: Decontamination

Decontamination is the process of reducing microbial contamination on an item to a level safe for handling without special precautions.

What is the recommended contact time for most EPA-registered intermediate-level disinfectants on environmental surfaces?

Answer: Follow manufacturer's specified wet contact time

Disinfectants must remain wet on the surface for the manufacturer's specified contact (dwell) time to achieve their labeled efficacy.

Which practice is essential to prevent biofilm formation in automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs)?

Answer: Regular maintenance and high-level disinfection of the AER itself

Regular cleaning and high-level disinfection of the AER itself is essential because biofilm can harbor pathogens and contaminate scopes.