CMDRT CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Point-of-Use Treatment and Transport Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of point-of-use treatment of surgical instruments immediately after a procedure?
- To sterilize instruments before transport
- To prevent biofilm and soil from drying on instruments, making subsequent cleaning easier and more effective (Correct answer)
- To disinfect instruments to a high level before returning to SPD
- To remove all microorganisms from instrument surfaces
Correct answer: To prevent biofilm and soil from drying on instruments, making subsequent cleaning easier and more effective
Point-of-use treatment prevents organic material from drying on instruments, which would make thorough cleaning much more difficult and compromise downstream reprocessing.
Question 2: Which of the following is an appropriate point-of-use action at the end of a surgical procedure?
- Spraying instruments with sterile water and placing in a sealed sterile container
- Wiping gross soil from instruments and placing them in a transport container with a moist towel or enzymatic foam/spray (Correct answer)
- Submerging instruments in high-level disinfectant solution
- Placing dry instruments directly into closed bins without any treatment
Correct answer: Wiping gross soil from instruments and placing them in a transport container with a moist towel or enzymatic foam/spray
Wiping gross soil and keeping instruments moist with a moistened towel or enzymatic product maintains cleanability during transport to the sterile processing department.
Question 3: Why should instruments NOT be soaked in saline solution at the point of use?
- Saline is too expensive for routine use
- Saline is corrosive to stainless steel instruments and can cause pitting and rust (Correct answer)
- Saline inactivates enzymatic cleaners
- Saline is classified as a high-level disinfectant
Correct answer: Saline is corrosive to stainless steel instruments and can cause pitting and rust
Saline (sodium chloride) is corrosive to stainless steel and can cause pitting, rusting, and damage to instrument surfaces.
Question 4: What type of container should be used to transport contaminated instruments from the OR to the sterile processing department?
- Open wire mesh baskets to allow air circulation
- Closed, rigid, leak-resistant containers or puncture-resistant totes to contain contaminants (Correct answer)
- Standard cardboard boxes lined with plastic bags
- Uncovered instrument trays covered with a cloth drape
Correct answer: Closed, rigid, leak-resistant containers or puncture-resistant totes to contain contaminants
OSHA and AAMI guidelines require contaminated instruments to be transported in closed, leak-resistant containers to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Question 5: Which OSHA standard governs the safe handling and transport of contaminated instruments due to bloodborne pathogen exposure risk?
- 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection)
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens Standard) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout)
- 29 CFR 1926.502 (Fall Protection)
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogens Standard)
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires engineering controls, PPE, and safe work practices to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens during instrument handling.
Question 6: What PPE is required when handling contaminated instruments at the point of use or during transport?
- Only a face shield
- Gloves alone are sufficient for all tasks
- Appropriate gloves, protective eyewear/face shield, gown, and mask as required by task and exposure risk (Correct answer)
- A surgical cap and shoe covers only
Correct answer: Appropriate gloves, protective eyewear/face shield, gown, and mask as required by task and exposure risk
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, face shield, and gown when handling contaminated instruments to protect against splashes and contact with infectious material.
CMDRT CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Point-of-Use Treatment and Transport Questions and Answers 1
What is the primary purpose of point-of-use treatment of surgical instruments immediately after a procedure?