Infection Control and Disinfection Procedures Flashcards

What chemical is most commonly used for disinfecting the internal fluid pathways of a hemodialysis machine?

Answer: Peracetic acid or bleach (sodium hypochlorite) per manufacturer protocol

Peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite are the most widely used chemical disinfectants for hemodialysis machine internal pathways due to their broad-spectrum efficacy and compatibility.

After using heat disinfection on a dialysis machine, the technician must verify the machine is safe for the next patient by:

Answer: Completing the cool-down rinse cycle and confirming readiness indicators before connecting the patient

Heat disinfection must be followed by a complete rinse and cool-down cycle, and the machine must signal readiness before patient connection to ensure safe dialysate temperature and no residual disinfectant.

Standard precautions in hemodialysis require that blood and body fluids from ALL patients be treated as:

Answer: Potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis or perceived risk

Standard precautions treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious to protect staff and patients regardless of known infection status.

What is the significance of endotoxins in dialysis water?

Answer: They are lipopolysaccharide fragments from gram-negative bacteria that cause pyrogenic reactions and inflammation in dialysis patients

Endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria can pass through some membranes and trigger fever, chills, hypotension, and chronic inflammation in dialysis patients.

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling concentrate containers and priming blood lines in a dialysis unit?

Answer: Gloves and protective eyewear or face shield

Gloves protect against skin exposure and face protection guards against splashes of concentrate or blood during priming and handling procedures.

How should a dialysis technician handle a machine that has been used by an HCV-positive patient?

Answer: Follow standard machine disinfection protocols — no special additional procedures are required beyond standard precautions

HCV is not efficiently transmitted via the dialysate pathway, so standard disinfection protocols are sufficient; dedicated machines are required only for HBsAg-positive patients.