CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Low-Temperature Sterilization Questions and Answers

Question 1

A flexible endoscope cannot be sterilized using steam due to its heat-sensitive nature. Which of the following low-temperature sterilization methods is incompatible with devices containing cellulose-based materials like paper or linen?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization is not suitable for items containing cellulose, such as paper and linen, because these materials absorb the hydrogen peroxide, which can lead to cycle cancellation or incomplete sterilization.

Question 2

A hospital's MDRD processes many heat-sensitive, complex devices. They are considering a low-temperature sterilization method known for its safety, as its primary byproducts are non-toxic. Which method breaks down into water and oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP)

Answer

Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) is considered an environmentally safe sterilization method because the active hydrogen peroxide vapor breaks down into harmless byproducts: water and oxygen. This contrasts with methods like Ethylene Oxide, which leave toxic residues requiring lengthy aeration.

Question 3

An MDRT is preparing a load for an Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilizer. Which of the following is a critical parameter that must be controlled and monitored for a successful EO sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

Relative humidity

Answer

The effectiveness of Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilization depends on the simultaneous control of four essential parameters: gas concentration, temperature, exposure time, and relative humidity. Humidity is crucial because water molecules help carry the EO gas to the microbial DNA to destroy it.

Question 4

After a successful low-temperature sterilization cycle using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, a technician opens the sterilizer door. What is the immediate next step regarding the processed devices?

Accepted Answer

They can be handled safely and are ready for immediate use or storage.

Answer

A significant advantage of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization is that the byproducts are non-toxic (water vapor and oxygen), eliminating the need for an aeration period. Once the cycle is complete, the items can be safely handled and are ready for use or storage.

Question 5

Which type of biological indicator (BI) is used to monitor the efficacy of both Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) and Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma sterilization cycles?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores

Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to both steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes, making them the standard microorganism used in biological indicators for these methods.

CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Practice Test

CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Practice Test

CMDRT - Certified Medical Device Reprocessing Technician Low-Temperature Sterilization Questions and Answers