IAHCSMM Decontamination & Cleaning Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What temperature range is typically used in a thermal disinfection (washer-disinfector) cycle?
- 60–70°C (140–158°F)
- 80–93°C (176–199°F) (Correct answer)
- 100–121°C (212–250°F)
- 121–134°C (250–273°F)
Correct answer: 80–93°C (176–199°F)
Washer-disinfectors typically operate at 80–93°C to achieve thermal disinfection, meeting A0 values required by international standards.
Question 2: Which type of bioburden poses the greatest challenge to the cleaning process?
- Fresh blood
- Dried proteinaceous soil (Correct answer)
- Saline solution residue
- Surgical lubricant
Correct answer: Dried proteinaceous soil
Dried proteinaceous soil is the most difficult to remove because proteins coagulate and adhere strongly to instrument surfaces when allowed to dry.
Question 3: What does the term 'cleaning validation' mean in the context of CS/SPD?
- Verifying that instruments are sterile
- Confirming that detergent concentration is correct
- Testing and documenting that the cleaning process consistently removes soil to acceptable levels (Correct answer)
- Checking that the washer drain is clear
Correct answer: Testing and documenting that the cleaning process consistently removes soil to acceptable levels
Cleaning validation is a documented process that confirms cleaning consistently removes contamination to predetermined acceptable levels.
Question 4: Ultrasonic cleaners work by which mechanism?
- High-pressure water jets
- Chemical dissolution of biofilm
- Cavitation created by high-frequency sound waves (Correct answer)
- UV light disinfection
Correct answer: Cavitation created by high-frequency sound waves
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles that implode and dislodge soil from instrument surfaces.
Question 5: After manual cleaning, instruments should be rinsed with water at a minimum temperature of:
- Cold (below 15°C / 59°F)
- Room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
- Warm (35–40°C / 95–104°F) (Correct answer)
- Hot (above 60°C / 140°F)
Correct answer: Warm (35–40°C / 95–104°F)
Warm rinse water improves detergent removal and promotes drying, reducing the risk of water spotting on instruments.
Question 6: Which standard provides guidelines for the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices in the US?
- ISO 9001
- AAMI ST79 (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1910.1030
- JCAHO TJC.4
Correct answer: AAMI ST79
AAMI ST79 is the comprehensive US guideline for steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities.
IAHCSMM Decontamination & Cleaning Procedures 2
What temperature range is typically used in a thermal disinfection (washer-disinfector) cycle?