MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Introduction to Medical Device Reprocessing 1

Question 1

According to the Spaulding classification system, which category applies to flexible endoscopes that contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate sterile tissue?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical

Answer

Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require at minimum high-level disinfection. Flexible endoscopes fall into this category because they touch mucous membranes but do not enter normally sterile body areas.

Question 2

What is the correct first step in the medical device reprocessing cycle that should be performed at the point of use?

Accepted Answer

Pre-cleaning and point-of-use preparation

Answer

Pre-cleaning at the point of use prevents bioburden from drying and hardening on instruments, which would significantly reduce the effectiveness of subsequent cleaning steps. This critical first action must occur before instruments leave the procedure area.

Question 3

What is the fundamental difference between sterilization and high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including bacterial spores, while high-level disinfection eliminates most microorganisms but may not destroy all bacterial spores

Answer

Sterilization achieves complete destruction of all microbial life, including the most resistant bacterial spores. High-level disinfection kills most organisms but may not reliably eliminate all spores, which is why sterilization is required for critical items.

Question 4

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for staff working in the decontamination area of the CSSD, according to CSA standards?

Accepted Answer

Impervious gown, heavy-duty utility gloves, eye and face protection, and mask

Answer

The decontamination area is considered a contaminated zone with risks of splashing blood, body fluids, and chemical exposure. CSA standards mandate impervious gowns, heavy-duty utility gloves, and full eye/face and respiratory protection to safeguard staff.

Question 5

What is biofilm, and why is it a significant concern in medical device reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

A community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced protective matrix that adheres to device surfaces and is highly resistant to cleaning and disinfection

Answer

Biofilm consists of bacterial communities embedded in a self-produced protective matrix that adheres strongly to device surfaces. This matrix dramatically increases resistance to cleaning agents and disinfectants, making thorough manual cleaning essential to break down and remove biofilm before disinfection or sterilization.

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Introduction to Medical Device Reprocessing 1