CMI Infection Control & Sanitation

Question 1

What is the primary difference between sanitizing and disinfecting a surface?

Accepted Answer

Sanitizing reduces microbial counts to safe levels while disinfecting kills a broader spectrum of pathogens

Answer

Sanitizing removes dirt while disinfecting removes grease

Answer

Sanitizing uses hot water while disinfecting uses chemical agents

Answer

Sanitizing is used on floors while disinfecting is used on walls

Question 2

What does 'dwell time' (also called contact time) mean when applying a disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

The duration the disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to achieve its labeled kill claims

Answer

The time it takes for a disinfectant to evaporate from a surface

Answer

The time between applying and rinsing the disinfectant

Answer

The shelf life of the disinfectant product

Question 3

Which of the following pathogens is generally considered the MOST difficult to eliminate with standard disinfectants?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Influenza A virus

Answer

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Question 4

What is the correct order of steps for infection control cleaning of a surface?

Accepted Answer

Clean (remove soil), then apply disinfectant and allow dwell time

Answer

Disinfect, then clean, then sanitize

Answer

Sanitize, then disinfect, then clean

Answer

Apply disinfectant, wipe immediately, then clean

Question 5

Cross-contamination in cleaning operations refers to:

Accepted Answer

Transferring pathogens from one surface or area to another via cleaning tools or cloths

Answer

Using the wrong concentration of a cleaning chemical

Answer

Mixing two incompatible cleaning chemicals together

Answer

Cleaning a surface that does not require disinfection

Question 6

Which of the following disinfectants is most effective against norovirus on hard non-porous surfaces?

Accepted Answer

EPA-registered bleach-based disinfectants with norovirus kill claims

Answer

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide at low concentration

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol at 70%

Question 7

What does the EPA registration number on a disinfectant product label indicate?

Accepted Answer

That the EPA has evaluated and approved the product's efficacy and safety claims

Answer

The product's manufacturing lot number for traceability

Answer

The chemical concentration percentage of active ingredients

Answer

The product's recycling and disposal code