Infection Control & Sterilization in Laser Therapy Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infection Control & Sterilization in Laser Therapy flashcards as text
What is the fundamental distinction between sterilization and disinfection?
Answer: Sterilization destroys all microbial life including resistant spores; disinfection reduces microorganisms but may not eliminate all spores
Sterilization achieves a sterility assurance level (SAL) by destroying all viable microorganisms including heat-resistant endospores, which high-level disinfection may not fully eliminate.
Which sterilization method is the gold standard for heat-stable laser therapy accessories?
Answer: Steam sterilization (autoclave)
Autoclaving uses saturated steam under pressure at 121–134°C, reliably achieving sterilization of all heat-stable instruments including bacterial spores.
Why can many laser probes with fiber optic delivery systems NOT be autoclaved?
Answer: High heat and steam can permanently damage delicate fiber optic components and coatings
Fiber optic fibers and their connectors are heat-sensitive; autoclave temperatures and steam pressure can fracture fibers, degrade coatings, and destroy optical alignment.
Which Spaulding category requires at minimum high-level disinfection (HLD) before use?
Answer: Semi-critical items (contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin)
Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin, presenting elevated infection risk that mandates at least high-level disinfection.
What does the disinfectant 'contact time' (wet time or dwell time) refer to?
Answer: The duration the surface must remain visibly wet to achieve the product's claimed kill efficacy
The surface must stay wet for the manufacturer's specified contact time so that the active ingredients maintain sufficient concentration to kill target pathogens.
A high-level disinfectant (HLD) is defined as one that kills all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: All concentrations of bacterial spores under all conditions
HLD destroys all microorganisms including most spores, but sterilization (not HLD) is required to achieve a guaranteed kill of high concentrations of resistant bacterial spores.
What is the correct handling policy for items labeled 'single-use' (SUI) in a laser therapy practice?
Answer: Single-use items must be discarded after each use and must never be reprocessed or reused
Manufacturer SUI designation means the device's sterility, structural integrity, and performance cannot be guaranteed after initial use, making reuse a safety and regulatory violation.