- Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Decontamination Processes Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the minimum recommended contact time for most enzymatic detergents to be effective?

Answer: The manufacturer's recommended contact time, typically 1 to 10 minutes

Enzymatic detergents require adequate contact time to break down organic soil. The specific time varies by product, but manufacturers typically recommend 1 to 10 minutes, and their instructions for use (IFU) must always be followed.

Which cleaning method uses high-frequency sound waves to remove soil from instruments?

Answer: Ultrasonic cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves (typically 35-47 kHz) to create cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution. These bubbles implode on contact with instrument surfaces, dislodging soil from hard-to-reach areas.

What PPE is required for staff working in the decontamination area?

Answer: Gloves, gown, face protection (mask and eye shield or face shield), and waterproof footwear

Staff in the decontamination area are exposed to potentially infectious materials and chemical cleaning agents. Full PPE including heavy-duty gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face protection, and waterproof footwear is required per CSA and occupational health standards.

Why is it important to keep contaminated instruments moist during transport to the reprocessing area?

Answer: To prevent organic soil from drying and becoming harder to remove

Keeping instruments moist prevents blood, tissue, and other organic materials from drying onto surfaces. Dried soil is significantly harder to clean, can form biofilm, and may compromise subsequent disinfection or sterilization.

What is the purpose of performing a protein residual test on cleaned instruments?

Answer: To verify that cleaning has adequately removed organic soil from instrument surfaces

Protein residual tests detect trace amounts of protein remaining on instrument surfaces after cleaning. A positive result indicates inadequate cleaning, which can compromise subsequent sterilization and patient safety.

What is the role of a washer-disinfector in the decontamination process?

Answer: It provides automated cleaning and thermal disinfection in a single cycle

A washer-disinfector automates the cleaning process and includes a thermal disinfection phase, typically using heated rinse water at a specified temperature and exposure time. This standardizes cleaning and reduces staff exposure to contaminated items.