IAHCSMM Decontamination & Cleaning Procedures 3

Question 1

What is the recommended action if an instrument cannot be fully disassembled for cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Follow the device IFU and use appropriate cleaning tools for all accessible areas

Answer

Clean it as-is and document the limitation

Answer

Discard the instrument

Answer

Return it to the surgeon without reprocessing

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a pre-soak solution in the decontamination workflow?

Accepted Answer

To prevent soil from drying and hardening on instrument surfaces during transport

Answer

To sterilize instruments before cleaning

Answer

To replace enzymatic cleaning

Answer

To lubricate instruments after cleaning

Question 3

A CS technician notices rust-like staining on stainless steel instruments after washing. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Mineral deposits from hard water or pitting corrosion

Answer

Improper sterilization temperature

Answer

Excessive enzymatic exposure

Answer

Improper packaging material

Question 4

How often should washer-disinfector efficacy be tested according to best practice?

Accepted Answer

Daily, using process challenge devices or soil test carriers

Answer

Annually only

Answer

Each cycle

Answer

Weekly

Question 5

Why must detergent pH and concentration be strictly monitored in automated washers?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect levels can damage instruments or leave residues that interfere with sterilization

Answer

To ensure instruments smell clean

Answer

To reduce water usage

Answer

To comply with water discharge regulations only

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the 'Spaulding Classification' relevance to decontamination?

Accepted Answer

It determines the required level of reprocessing (critical, semi-critical, noncritical) based on intended use

Answer

It classifies instruments by material composition

Answer

It categorizes cleaning chemicals by toxicity

Answer

It ranks sterilization methods by speed