Decontamination Flashcards
7 cards from real CRCST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Decontamination flashcards as text
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered the MINIMUM required when handling soiled instruments in the decontamination area?
Answer: Gloves, gown, eye protection, and face mask
OSHA and AAMI standards require gloves, gown, eye protection, and face mask as minimum PPE when handling soiled/contaminated instruments.
What is the primary purpose of the decontamination area in a central service department?
Answer: To remove soil and reduce microbial load on instruments before further processing
The decontamination area is designed to remove bioburden and soil from instruments to make them safe to handle and prepare them for sterilization.
Enzymatic cleaners work best when used at which water temperature?
Answer: Warm water (approximately 100°F–110°F)
Enzymatic cleaners are most effective at warm water temperatures around 100°F–110°F because heat activates enzymes without denaturing them.
When cleaning lumened instruments such as flexible endoscopes, what critical step must be performed immediately after use?
Answer: Flush channels with enzymatic solution at the point of use
Flushing channels with enzymatic solution at point of use prevents biofilm formation and keeps soil from drying, which makes cleaning more effective.
Which of the following is the correct sequence for manual cleaning of surgical instruments?
Answer: Pre-rinse, wash with appropriate detergent, rinse, lubricate if needed, inspect
The correct sequence is pre-rinse to remove gross soil, wash with detergent, rinse to remove detergent residue, lubricate if required, then inspect.
Ultrasonic cleaners work by a process called cavitation. What does cavitation refer to?
Answer: The formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles that implode against instrument surfaces
Cavitation is the rapid formation and implosion of microscopic bubbles generated by ultrasonic waves, which dislodge soil from instrument surfaces.
After cleaning, instruments should be rinsed with which type of water to prevent mineral deposits?
Answer: Distilled or deionized water
Distilled or deionized water is used for the final rinse to prevent mineral deposits and spotting that can interfere with sterilization.