CHBT Infection Control and Disinfection Procedures 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Peracetic acid or bleach (sodium hypochlorite) per manufacturer protocol

Answer

Alcohol-based solution

Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Answer

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Testing the dialysate conductivity only

Answer

Replacing all blood tubing

Answer

Waiting 30 minutes with no further verification

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis or perceived risk

Answer

Infectious only if the patient has a known bloodborne disease

Answer

Non-infectious if the patient tested negative last month

Answer

Infectious only during active bleeding

Question 4

What is the significance of endotoxins in dialysis water?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

They cause hepatitis C transmission

Answer

They lower dialysate conductivity

Answer

They destroy the dialyzer membrane

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Gloves and protective eyewear or face shield

Answer

N95 respirator and gown only

Answer

Gloves alone are sufficient

Answer

No PPE required for concentrate handling

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Quarantine the machine for 24 hours

Answer

Use higher-concentration disinfectant only

Answer

Remove the machine from service permanently