High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers Flashcards
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Which factor most directly affects the efficacy of glutaraldehyde as a high-level disinfectant?
Answer: Solution pH
Glutaraldehyde is most effective at an alkaline pH (7.5–8.5), and deviation from this range significantly reduces its antimicrobial activity.
What is the primary purpose of leak testing an endoscope before HLD?
Answer: To detect internal channel damage that could harbor pathogens
Leak testing identifies breaches in the endoscope's protective covering that would allow reprocessing chemicals to damage internal components and harbor pathogens.
When using ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) for HLD, what is the minimum recommended contact time at 20°C per FDA guidelines?
Answer: 12 minutes
The FDA-cleared contact time for OPA (Cidex OPA) at 20°C is 12 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.
A reprocessing technician notices the MEC test strip shows the glutaraldehyde solution is below the minimum effective concentration. What is the correct action?
Answer: Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch
Solutions that fall below the minimum effective concentration (MEC) must be discarded immediately because they cannot reliably achieve high-level disinfection.
Which step must occur immediately after removing an endoscope from the HLD solution?
Answer: Thorough rinsing with sterile or filtered water
Thorough rinsing with sterile or filtered water immediately after HLD is essential to remove all chemical residues that could cause patient injury.
What type of water is recommended for the final rinse after HLD to prevent recontamination?
Answer: Sterile water or filtered (0.2-micron) water
Sterile water or water filtered through a 0.2-micron filter is required for the final rinse to prevent recontamination with waterborne microorganisms like Pseudomonas.
Which organization's guidelines are considered the primary standard for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?
Answer: SGNA and AORN
SGNA (Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates) and AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) provide the primary professional guidelines for endoscope reprocessing in the US.