CBSPD - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Decontamination and Disinfection Questions and Answers

Question 1

A sterile processing technician is preparing a flexible bronchoscope for its next use. According to the Spaulding Classification system, which of the following is the MINIMUM required level of processing for this device?

Accepted Answer

High-Level Disinfection

Answer

Flexible bronchoscopes are considered semi-critical devices because they come into contact with mucous membranes. According to the Spaulding Classification, semi-critical items require, at a minimum, high-level disinfection to eliminate all microorganisms except for high numbers of bacterial spores.

Question 2

Which of the following environmental conditions is recommended for the decontamination area of a Sterile Processing department, according to AAMI ST79 guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Negative air pressure with at least 10 air exchanges per hour

Answer

The decontamination area must be under negative air pressure to prevent airborne contaminants from escaping into clean areas. AAMI ST79 recommends at least 10 air exchanges per hour to keep the area well-ventilated. The temperature is typically kept cooler (60-65°F) for staff comfort while wearing PPE.

Question 3

A new enzymatic detergent is being trialed in the decontamination area. To ensure its effectiveness, the water temperature should be maintained within the range specified by the manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU). What is the primary reason for this requirement?

Accepted Answer

The enzymatic action is optimized within a specific temperature range; temperatures that are too high can cause the enzymes to break down.

Answer

Enzymes are proteins that work best within a specific temperature range. If the water is too hot, the enzymes can denature (break down), rendering the detergent ineffective at breaking down bioburden. If it's too cold, the enzymatic activity will be too slow. Following the IFU is critical for effective cleaning.

Question 4

During the manual cleaning of surgical instruments, which of the following is the first and most critical step in the process?

Accepted Answer

Immersing the instruments in a basin with an appropriate, properly diluted, neutral pH detergent.

Answer

The first step after sorting and disassembling is to immerse the instruments in a cleaning solution. This begins the process of loosening and removing soil. Using a neutral pH detergent is recommended to prevent damage to the instruments. Scrubbing occurs after immersion, and rinsing follows cleaning.

Question 5

A technician in the decontamination area receives a tray of instruments from an orthopedic procedure that has dried-on bone and tissue. Which of the following cleaning agents would be most effective at breaking down this type of soil?

Accepted Answer

Protease enzymes

Answer

Protease enzymes are specifically designed to break down protein-based soils like blood, tissue, and bone. Lipase enzymes target fats, and amylase enzymes target starches. While a high-alkaline detergent is a powerful cleaner, a protease-based enzymatic cleaner is the most appropriate initial choice for this type of bioburden.

CBSPD - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Practice Test

CBSPD - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Practice Test

CBSPD - Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Decontamination and Disinfection Questions and Answers