MDRAO Decontamination Processes and Equipment 3

Question 1

Which parameter is most critical to monitor during a washer-disinfector thermal disinfection cycle to ensure efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Time and temperature at the disinfection phase

Answer

Time and temperature during the disinfection phase determine the A0 value and confirm that sufficient thermal lethality has been achieved.

Question 2

Point-of-use treatment of surgical instruments before transport to decontamination should include which action?

Accepted Answer

Removing gross soil and keeping instruments moist to prevent drying

Answer

At point-of-use, gross soil should be removed and instruments kept moist (with a moist towel or enzymatic foam) to prevent bioburden from drying and hardening before decontamination.

Question 3

What is the recommended minimum soak time for instruments in an OPA 0.55% solution at 20°C to achieve high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

12 minutes

Answer

OPA 0.55% requires a minimum contact time of 12 minutes at 20°C (68°F) to achieve high-level disinfection per manufacturer labeling.

Question 4

Which instrument cleaning method should NOT be used in the decontamination sink area because it generates aerosols?

Accepted Answer

High-pressure water spraying above the water line

Answer

High-pressure spraying above the water line aerosolizes contaminated droplets, creating an inhalation and surface contamination hazard for staff.

Question 5

A washer-disinfector printout shows the temperature during the disinfection phase reached only 75°C instead of the required 90°C. What action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine the load, investigate the machine fault, and reprocess the instruments

Answer

If the disinfection temperature was not met, the load is considered unacceptable and must be quarantined and reprocessed after the machine is serviced.

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO Decontamination Processes and Equipment 3