Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization Flashcards

Which packaging material is NOT compatible with ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization?

Answer: Nylon pouches

Nylon is impermeable to EtO gas and is therefore not a suitable packaging material for EtO sterilization.

When preparing a diluted bleach solution for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with C. difficile spores, the recommended concentration is:

Answer: 1,000–5,000 ppm (1:50 to 1:10 dilution)

EPA-registered bleach solutions at 1,000–5,000 ppm (approximately 1:10 dilution of household bleach) are required for C. difficile spore inactivation.

Which statement best describes the difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Answer: Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores; disinfection reduces but may not eliminate spores

Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including bacterial spores, while disinfection reduces microbial load but typically does not reliably eliminate spores.

A surgical instrument set is found to contain a used instrument that was mistakenly included in a sterile wrapped tray. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Consider the entire tray contaminated and return it for reprocessing

Sterility is package-based; any breach of tray integrity — including inclusion of a used item — renders the entire tray non-sterile and requires reprocessing.

The Bowie-Dick test is used specifically to detect failures in which component of a prevacuum steam sterilizer?

Answer: Air removal and steam penetration

The Bowie-Dick test detects air pockets and inadequate steam penetration in prevacuum (dynamic-air-removal) steam sterilizers.

Which factor has the LEAST influence on the efficacy of chemical disinfectants?

Answer: Ambient humidity levels

While humidity is a factor for gaseous agents like EtO, ambient humidity has the least direct impact on liquid chemical disinfectant efficacy compared to contact time, concentration, and organic burden.

Which organization's standards are most commonly referenced for sterilization validation and quality assurance in US healthcare facilities?

Answer: AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation)

AAMI standards (particularly ANSI/AAMI ST79) are the primary guidance documents for steam sterilization practices in US healthcare facilities.