Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization Flashcards

Which low-temperature sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive, moisture-tolerant flexible endoscopes?

Answer: Peracetic acid immersion system

Peracetic acid liquid sterilization systems (e.g., STERIS System 1) are designed for moisture-compatible heat-sensitive items like flexible endoscopes.

What does a Class 1 chemical indicator (process indicator) confirm?

Answer: That the item was exposed to a sterilization process

Class 1 indicators (e.g., autoclave tape) change color to show that the package was exposed to a sterilization process, not that sterility was achieved.

Which disinfectant level is required for non-critical patient care items that contact only intact skin?

Answer: Low-level disinfection

Non-critical items that contact intact skin require only low-level disinfection using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant.

The recommended water temperature for manual cleaning of surgical instruments is:

Answer: 30–45°C (86–113°F)

Warm water between 30–45°C is recommended for manual cleaning because water that is too hot can coagulate proteins, making them harder to remove.

Which sterilization method poses the greatest occupational health concern due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties?

Answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO)

Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and mutagen, requiring strict exposure controls, aeration periods, and OSHA compliance.

Event-related sterility is based on the principle that:

Answer: Packaging integrity, not time, determines sterility maintenance

Event-related sterility holds that sterile items remain sterile until an event (e.g., breach in packaging, moisture, or damage) compromises the barrier.

Which component of an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) is most commonly implicated in cross-contamination between endoscope cycles?

Answer: Internal AER channels that are not properly cleaned

Internal AER channels can harbor biofilm and residual organisms if not regularly cleaned and maintained per manufacturer instructions.