CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician High-Level Disinfection Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a high-level disinfectant approved for use in Canadian healthcare facilities?

Accepted Answer

Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol 70%

Answer

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Answer

Household bleach at standard dilution

Question 2

What is the critical difference between high-level disinfection and sterilization?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection eliminates most microorganisms but may not kill all bacterial spores, while sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including spores

Answer

There is no meaningful difference

Answer

Sterilization is faster than high-level disinfection

Answer

High-level disinfection is only used for non-critical devices

Question 3

What must be done if the MEC test of a high-level disinfectant solution fails?

Accepted Answer

Discard the solution immediately and replace with fresh disinfectant

Answer

Add more water to dilute the solution

Answer

Continue using it for one more cycle only

Answer

Heat the solution to restore its potency

Question 4

Why is thorough cleaning essential before high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Organic soil remaining on devices can shield microorganisms from the disinfectant and inactivate the chemical agent

Answer

Cleaning removes the need for disinfection

Answer

Cleaning is optional if using a strong disinfectant

Answer

Cleaning only affects the appearance of instruments

Question 5

What temperature and contact time parameters are critical for effective high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

The specific temperature and minimum contact time specified in the disinfectant manufacturer's instructions for use

Answer

Any temperature for any duration

Answer

Room temperature for 5 minutes regardless of the product

Answer

Boiling temperature for 30 seconds

Question 6

How often should staff who perform high-level disinfection receive competency assessments?

Accepted Answer

At least annually, and whenever new equipment or procedures are introduced

Answer

Only during initial orientation

Answer

Every five years

Answer

Competency assessments are not required for HLD