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Decontamination and Cleaning Processes Flashcards

6 cards from real MDRAO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. According to CSA Z314 standards, what is the correct sequence for manual cleaning of surgical instruments?

    Answer: Pre-rinse, enzymatic soak, scrub under water, final rinse

    CSA Z314 requires instruments to be pre-rinsed to remove gross soil, soaked in enzymatic detergent, scrubbed under water to prevent aerosol formation, and then rinsed thoroughly.

  2. What water quality is recommended for the final rinse of surgical instruments in an automated washer-disinfector?

    Answer: Treated/purified water (RO or DI water)

    Purified water such as reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water is recommended for the final rinse to prevent mineral deposits and staining on instruments.

  3. Which pH range is most effective for enzymatic cleaning detergents used in instrument decontamination?

    Answer: pH 6–8 (near neutral)

    Enzymatic detergents function optimally at near-neutral pH (6–8) which supports enzyme activity while being compatible with most instrument materials.

  4. What is the primary purpose of a washer-disinfector's thermal disinfection cycle in instrument reprocessing?

    Answer: To reduce microbial load to a safe level after mechanical cleaning

    The thermal disinfection cycle (typically A0 value ≥600) reduces microbial load on instruments after mechanical cleaning, making them safe to handle before packaging and sterilization.

  5. Why must hollow-lumen instruments such as endoscopes receive special attention during the decontamination process?

    Answer: Lumens can harbour biofilm and organic material that standard surface cleaning may miss

    The inner lumens of hollow instruments are difficult to clean and can harbour biofilm and organic debris if not properly flushed, brushed, and rinsed.

  6. What does the term 'bioburden' refer to in the context of instrument decontamination?

    Answer: The number and types of viable microorganisms contaminating an instrument before sterilization

    Bioburden refers to the number and types of viable microorganisms present on an instrument prior to sterilization; reducing bioburden through cleaning is essential for sterilization effectiveness.