Decontamination and Cleaning Processes Flashcards

What is point-of-use treatment and why is it critical for effective decontamination?

Answer: Applying enzymatic spray or gel to instruments immediately after use to prevent bioburden from drying during transport to the SPD

Point-of-use treatment keeps instruments moist and begins breaking down organic soil immediately, preventing the drying that makes subsequent decontamination much more difficult.

What is the correct water temperature range for the initial pre-rinse of contaminated instruments?

Answer: Cold to lukewarm water, below 110°F (43°C)

Cool to lukewarm water is used for pre-rinsing because hot water coagulates blood proteins, causing them to bind more tightly to instrument surfaces.

How should brushes used for manual cleaning of instruments be maintained?

Answer: Clean after each use, inspect for worn or bent bristles, disinfect or sterilize daily, and replace when bristles show deformation

Cleaning brushes can harbor and transfer bioburden between instruments if not properly maintained, making regular cleaning, inspection, and timely replacement essential.

What role does the A0 value play in automated washer-disinfector cycles?

Answer: It quantifies the thermal disinfection effectiveness based on the time-temperature relationship during the disinfection phase

The A0 value is a standardized measure that quantifies the killing power of a thermal disinfection process based on the combination of temperature and exposure time.

Why is it important to disassemble multi-component instruments before decontamination?

Answer: To ensure all surfaces, joints, and internal components are accessible to the cleaning process

Disassembly exposes all surfaces to cleaning agents and mechanical action, preventing trapped bioburden in joints, crevices, and between mated surfaces.

What verification method confirms that an ultrasonic cleaner is producing adequate cavitation?

Answer: Using an aluminum foil test or commercially available cavitation verification device

The aluminum foil test or commercial test devices objectively verify that the ultrasonic cleaner is generating adequate cavitation energy.