Decontamination Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?

Answer: Cleaning removes soil, disinfection kills most pathogens, sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores

These represent escalating levels of microbial reduction: cleaning removes soil, disinfection kills vegetative pathogens, and sterilization destroys all life forms including spores.

What is the significance of bioburden in the decontamination process?

Answer: Higher bioburden increases the challenge to the sterilization process

Bioburden is the population of microorganisms before sterilization. Higher levels present a greater challenge and increase sterilization failure risk if cleaning is inadequate.

What precautions must be taken when transporting contaminated instruments?

Answer: Closed, puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers via designated routes separate from clean traffic

Instruments must be in enclosed, puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers with biohazard labels, transported via designated soiled corridors.

What is the purpose of negative air pressure in the decontamination area?

Answer: To prevent aerosolized contaminants from flowing into cleaner adjacent spaces

Negative pressure ensures air flows into the decontamination area from cleaner spaces, preventing contaminated aerosols from migrating to clean areas.

Why must instrument box locks be kept open during cleaning?

Answer: To allow cleaning solution to reach inner joint surfaces where bioburden accumulates

Opening box locks exposes inner joint surfaces where blood and tissue accumulate. Closed locks trap contamination that cleaning cannot reach.

What is the role of mechanical action in decontamination?

Answer: Physically dislodges and removes bioburden, working synergistically with chemical detergents

Mechanical action (friction, water jets, ultrasonic cavitation) is essential because chemicals alone cannot remove adherent soil from surfaces.