CME Safety & Sanitation Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'aseptic technique' mean in an electrology context?
- Cleaning the skin with alcohol before treatment
- Using practices that prevent the introduction of pathogens into the treatment area (Correct answer)
- Sterilizing all equipment in an autoclave
- Wearing gloves during every procedure
Correct answer: Using practices that prevent the introduction of pathogens into the treatment area
Aseptic technique refers to a collection of practices designed to keep the treatment environment and wound free from pathogenic microorganisms.
Question 2: When using a glutaraldehyde solution for high-level disinfection of reusable instruments, the practitioner must:
- Rinse instruments with tap water before soaking
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate PPE including gloves and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Soak instruments for at least 2 minutes
- Store the solution under direct sunlight to maintain potency
Correct answer: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate PPE including gloves and eye protection
Glutaraldehyde is a hazardous chemical requiring adequate ventilation and full PPE to prevent respiratory irritation and skin/eye contact.
Question 3: An autoclave biological indicator (spore test) is used to:
- Monitor steam temperature during the cycle
- Confirm the autoclave achieves actual sterilization by killing resistant bacterial spores (Correct answer)
- Test the chemical composition of the steam
- Calibrate the pressure gauge
Correct answer: Confirm the autoclave achieves actual sterilization by killing resistant bacterial spores
Biological indicators use heat-resistant Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores to confirm that sterilization conditions were sufficient to kill the most resistant organisms.
Question 4: What is the significance of the 'clean-to-dirty' workflow principle in an electrology operatory?
- It describes the order in which clients should be scheduled
- It ensures contaminated items move away from clean areas to prevent cross-contamination (Correct answer)
- It refers to the direction of airflow in the HVAC system
- It mandates cleaning before disinfecting surfaces
Correct answer: It ensures contaminated items move away from clean areas to prevent cross-contamination
The clean-to-dirty workflow keeps contaminated materials and movement directed away from clean supply areas to prevent recontamination.
Question 5: Which skin antiseptic is most commonly recommended for preparing the treatment site prior to electrolysis insertion?
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
- Isopropyl alcohol 70% (Correct answer)
- Bleach solution 1:10
- Povidone-iodine 10%
Correct answer: Isopropyl alcohol 70%
Isopropyl alcohol 70% is the standard pre-treatment skin antiseptic, effectively reducing surface bacteria before probe insertion.
Question 6: Personal protective equipment (PPE) required during electrology procedures typically includes:
- Safety goggles and a full face shield only
- Gloves, mask, and protective eyewear (Correct answer)
- Gloves alone are sufficient for most procedures
- Lab coat only
Correct answer: Gloves, mask, and protective eyewear
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires gloves plus appropriate face and eye protection during procedures involving potential exposure to blood or body fluids.
Question 7: What is the minimum contact time required for most intermediate-level disinfectants to be effective on hard environmental surfaces?
- 15 seconds
- 30 seconds
- The time specified on the product's EPA-registered label (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes regardless of product
Correct answer: The time specified on the product's EPA-registered label
Each EPA-registered disinfectant has specific contact time requirements that must be followed to ensure efficacy, which vary by product and formulation.
CME Safety & Sanitation Standards 3
What does the term 'aseptic technique' mean in an electrology context?