RDA Instrument Processing, Sterilization, and Monitoring 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A sterilization log shows a load failed a biological indicator test. What is the FIRST action the dental team should take?
- Discard the biological indicator and repeat the test next week
- Immediately recall all items from that load and remove the sterilizer from service (Correct answer)
- Use the instruments if the chemical indicators passed
- Continue using the sterilizer while contacting the manufacturer
Correct answer: Immediately recall all items from that load and remove the sterilizer from service
A failed biological indicator requires immediate removal of the sterilizer from service and recall of all items processed since the last passed test.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a critical dental instrument requiring sterilization before each use?
- X-ray positioning devices that contact only intact skin
- Dental mirror used only for oral inspection without tissue contact
- Surgical extraction forceps that penetrate soft tissue (Correct answer)
- Facebow used for bite registration outside the oral cavity
Correct answer: Surgical extraction forceps that penetrate soft tissue
Critical instruments penetrate soft tissue or bone and must be sterilized between each patient use to prevent infection transmission.
Question 3: What is the function of a washer-disinfector in the instrument reprocessing workflow?
- It sterilizes instruments using high-pressure steam
- It mechanically cleans and thermally disinfects instruments to reduce bioburden before sterilization (Correct answer)
- It applies chemical vapor sterilant to wrapped packs
- It tests instruments for corrosion and material defects
Correct answer: It mechanically cleans and thermally disinfects instruments to reduce bioburden before sterilization
A washer-disinfector uses heat and detergent to mechanically clean and thermally disinfect instruments, reducing bioburden as a precursor to sterilization.
Question 4: Dry heat sterilization at 320°F (160°C) typically requires how long for a full cycle?
- 3–5 minutes
- 15–20 minutes
- 1–2 hours (Correct answer)
- 8–10 hours
Correct answer: 1–2 hours
Dry heat sterilization requires longer exposure times than steam—typically 1 to 2 hours at 320°F (160°C)—because dry heat is less efficient at killing microorganisms than moist heat.
Question 5: Which packaging material is appropriate for use with unsaturated chemical vapor (Chemiclave) sterilization?
- Aluminum foil wraps
- Muslin cloth wraps
- Paper/plastic peel pouches designed for chemical vapor (Correct answer)
- Nylon plastic bags
Correct answer: Paper/plastic peel pouches designed for chemical vapor
Paper/plastic peel pouches that allow chemical vapor penetration are the appropriate packaging for unsaturated chemical vapor sterilization.
Question 6: What does 'event-related sterility' mean for packaged instruments?
- Sterility expires automatically after a set number of days regardless of storage conditions
- Sterility is maintained indefinitely as long as the package remains intact and undamaged (Correct answer)
- Biological indicators must be repeated at each event where instruments are used
- Instruments must be re-sterilized before every dental appointment event
Correct answer: Sterility is maintained indefinitely as long as the package remains intact and undamaged
Event-related sterility means a properly packaged and stored instrument remains sterile until an event compromises the package (e.g., torn seal, moisture damage), not based on a fixed expiration date.
Question 7: A dental assistant is using an ultrasonic cleaner. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST important to wear when removing instruments from the unit?
- Only a surgical mask is required
- Heavy-duty utility gloves, eye protection, and a mask (Correct answer)
- Standard examination gloves with no eye protection needed
- A face shield only, since the unit is covered
Correct answer: Heavy-duty utility gloves, eye protection, and a mask
Heavy-duty utility gloves, eye protection, and a mask are required because ultrasonic cleaners can aerosolize contaminated particles when the lid is opened.
RDA Instrument Processing, Sterilization, and Monitoring 5
A sterilization log shows a load failed a biological indicator test.
What is the FIRST action the dental team should take?