CHP Hijama Safety & Sterilization 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which condition is an absolute contraindication to wet hijama (dam cupping)?
- Mild hypertension controlled by medication
- Hemophilia or severe bleeding disorder (Correct answer)
- Type 2 diabetes with well-controlled blood sugar
- Mild seasonal allergies
Correct answer: Hemophilia or severe bleeding disorder
Hemophilia and severe bleeding disorders are absolute contraindications to wet hijama because the scarification phase can cause life-threatening uncontrolled hemorrhage.
Question 2: When disinfecting a hijama treatment table between clients, which product is most appropriate?
- Plain soap and water only
- EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant (Correct answer)
- White vinegar solution
- Hand sanitizer gel
Correct answer: EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant is required for environmental surfaces that may have blood contact to ensure elimination of bloodborne pathogens.
Question 3: A practitioner accidentally cuts their finger through their glove during a wet hijama session. What is the immediate first step?
- Continue the session using a second glove over the cut
- Immediately stop, remove gloves, and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply hand sanitizer to the cut and continue
- Cover with a bandage and change gloves
Correct answer: Immediately stop, remove gloves, and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water
The immediate response to a sharps injury is to stop, remove contaminated gloves, and wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
Question 4: At what temperature must an autoclave reach to achieve sterilization of hijama instruments using saturated steam?
- 100°C (212°F)
- 121°C (250°F) (Correct answer)
- 140°C (284°F)
- 160°C (320°F)
Correct answer: 121°C (250°F)
Standard steam sterilization (autoclaving) requires 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for a minimum of 15–20 minutes to achieve sterility.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method of sterilization for reusable metal hijama cups?
- Autoclave (steam under pressure)
- Dry heat oven at 170°C for 60 minutes
- Soaking in 70% alcohol for 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- Chemical sterilant (glutaraldehyde per manufacturer instructions)
Correct answer: Soaking in 70% alcohol for 10 minutes
Soaking in 70% alcohol for 10 minutes achieves disinfection, not sterilization; it does not eliminate bacterial spores and is not an accepted sterilization method.
Question 6: Why should hijama practitioners avoid touching their face, eyes, or mouth during a session?
- To maintain professional appearance
- To prevent self-inoculation of bloodborne or airborne pathogens (Correct answer)
- To avoid fogging protective eyewear
- To prevent smearing topical products on the face
Correct answer: To prevent self-inoculation of bloodborne or airborne pathogens
Touching mucous membranes of the face with potentially contaminated gloves or hands is a primary route of self-inoculation of infectious agents.
Question 7: What does the acronym 'PPE' stand for in the context of hijama safety?
- Personal Practice Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Practitioner Preparation Essentials
- Protective Practice Ensemble
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, referring to items such as gloves, masks, and eye protection worn to protect the practitioner from exposure to pathogens.
CHP Hijama Safety & Sterilization 3
Which condition is an absolute contraindication to wet hijama (dam cupping)?