MDRAO High-Level Disinfection 2

Question 1

Which of the following is an advantage of orthophthalaldehyde (OPA) over glutaraldehyde for high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Less toxic vapor and reduced eye/skin irritation

Answer

Shorter required contact time at room temperature

Answer

Lower cost per liter

Answer

Effective at lower concentrations for sterilization

Question 2

The minimum recommended contact time for high-level disinfection with 2% glutaraldehyde at 20°C (68°F) is typically:

Accepted Answer

20 minutes

Answer

5 minutes

Answer

10 minutes

Answer

45 minutes

Question 3

After high-level disinfection, devices must be rinsed thoroughly. What is the PREFERRED rinsing solution?

Accepted Answer

Sterile or filtered water

Answer

Tap water

Answer

Distilled water with detergent

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol solution

Question 4

Peracetic acid is often preferred for automated endoscope reprocessors because it:

Accepted Answer

Is effective at low concentrations with rapid action and low residue

Answer

Has a longer reuse life than glutaraldehyde

Answer

Does not require rinsing before use

Answer

Requires no PPE during handling

Question 5

How does elevated temperature affect the efficacy of high-level disinfectant solutions?

Accepted Answer

It increases efficacy, allowing shorter contact times

Answer

It decreases efficacy by destabilizing the active ingredient

Answer

It has no effect on efficacy

Answer

It causes all solutions to exceed sterilization levels automatically

Question 6

Biofilm on medical devices is a significant concern for HLD because:

Accepted Answer

Biofilm protects embedded microorganisms from chemical disinfectants

Answer

Biofilm increases device weight, requiring longer immersion

Answer

Biofilm enhances the activity of glutaraldehyde

Answer

Biofilm only forms on critical devices, not semi-critical ones

Question 7

A device labeled as single-use (SUO) by the manufacturer is presented for high-level disinfection and reuse. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Do not reprocess; single-use devices must be discarded after use

Answer

Proceed with HLD if the device appears undamaged

Answer

Follow the facility protocol for reprocessing single-use devices

Answer

Reprocess only if the device was not in contact with blood