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Infection Prevention and Control 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. What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization in the hierarchy of reprocessing?

    Answer: Cleaning removes soil and reduces bioburden; disinfection kills most pathogens but not all spores; sterilization eliminates all viable microorganisms including spores

    The reprocessing hierarchy is cleaning (remove soil/reduce bioburden) → disinfection (kill most pathogens) → sterilization (eliminate all viable microorganisms). Each builds on the previous — cleaning must precede disinfection and sterilization.

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

    Answer: Biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix that strongly adheres to surfaces and is highly resistant to cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization

    Biofilm consists of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix that adheres strongly to instrument surfaces. Biofilm is highly resistant to cleaning agents and disinfectants, making thorough cleaning within the window of soilability critical to prevent biofilm formation.

  3. How does methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) influence reprocessing procedures in the CSSD?

    Answer: MRSA has no special reprocessing implications — standard decontamination and sterilization effectively eliminate MRSA

    MRSA, while a significant clinical concern, is a non-spore-forming vegetative bacterium that is effectively eliminated by standard cleaning followed by disinfection or sterilization. Standard reprocessing protocols are sufficient.

  4. What is the significance of the term 'window of soilability' in medical device reprocessing?

    Answer: The period after use during which instruments are relatively easy to clean before organic soil dries, hardens, and potentially forms biofilm on instrument surfaces

    The 'window of soilability' refers to the period immediately after instrument use when organic soil (blood, tissue) is still moist and relatively easy to remove. As soil dries, it becomes increasingly difficult to clean and may promote biofilm formation.

  5. Which organization in Ontario provides the primary infection prevention and control guidance for healthcare facility reprocessing practices?

    Answer: Ontario Public Health — through the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC)

    The Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC), operating under Public Health Ontario, provides the primary evidence-based best practice guidelines for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization in Ontario healthcare facilities.

  6. What is the correct action when instruments from a patient suspected of having variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) are identified in the decontamination area?

    Answer: Immediately quarantine the instruments, notify the infection control practitioner, and follow the facility's prion risk management protocol

    Instruments from patients with suspected or confirmed vCJD must be immediately quarantined and handled according to the facility's prion risk management protocol — standard sterilization is NOT effective against prions.