CIC Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which low-temperature sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive, moisture-tolerant flexible endoscopes?
- Ethylene oxide (EtO)
- Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
- Peracetic acid immersion system (Correct answer)
- Dry heat
Correct 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.
Question 2: What does a Class 1 chemical indicator (process indicator) confirm?
- That all sterilization parameters were met
- That the item was exposed to a sterilization process (Correct answer)
- That the biological indicator passed
- That internal pack conditions were adequate
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which disinfectant level is required for non-critical patient care items that contact only intact skin?
- High-level disinfection
- Intermediate-level disinfection
- Low-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Sterilization
Correct answer: Low-level disinfection
Non-critical items that contact intact skin require only low-level disinfection using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant.
Question 4: The recommended water temperature for manual cleaning of surgical instruments is:
- Below 15°C (59°F)
- 60–70°C (140–158°F)
- 30–45°C (86–113°F) (Correct answer)
- Above 75°C (167°F)
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which sterilization method poses the greatest occupational health concern due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties?
- Steam autoclave
- Hydrogen peroxide plasma
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) (Correct answer)
- Peracetic acid
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO)
Ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and mutagen, requiring strict exposure controls, aeration periods, and OSHA compliance.
Question 6: Event-related sterility is based on the principle that:
- Sterility is guaranteed for a fixed number of years
- Packaging integrity, not time, determines sterility maintenance (Correct answer)
- Biological indicators must be run monthly to confirm sterility
- Items must be resterilized every 6 months regardless of packaging
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which component of an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) is most commonly implicated in cross-contamination between endoscope cycles?
- The drying chamber
- The rinsing water supply
- Internal AER channels that are not properly cleaned (Correct answer)
- The outer casing of the AER
Correct 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.
CIC Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization 3
Which low-temperature sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive, moisture-tolerant flexible endoscopes?