SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician High-Level Disinfection Questions and Answers

Question 1

An SPD technician is reprocessing a flexible gastroscope. After thorough manual cleaning, what is the next critical step BEFORE immersing the scope in the high-level disinfectant solution?

Accepted Answer

Perform a leak test.

Answer

Dry the channels with compressed air.

Answer

Immerse the scope in a saline solution.

Answer

Attach the scope to the automated reprocessor.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of performing a Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) test on a reusable high-level disinfectant solution?

Accepted Answer

To confirm the disinfectant is still potent enough to kill microorganisms.

Answer

To measure the pH level of the solution.

Answer

To verify the solution's temperature is correct for use.

Answer

To document the lot number of the chemical test strip.

Question 3

According to the Spaulding Classification system, high-level disinfection is the required processing method for which category of medical devices?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin.

Answer

Critical items that enter sterile tissue.

Answer

Non-critical items that only touch intact skin.

Answer

Environmental surfaces in the operating room.

Question 4

A technician is manually disinfecting an instrument using a glutaraldehyde solution. Which of the following safety precautions is MOST critical?

Accepted Answer

Using the chemical in a well-ventilated area or under a local exhaust hood.

Answer

Wearing standard latex surgical gloves.

Answer

Ensuring the room has standard positive-pressure air circulation.

Answer

Storing the chemical in an open basin for easy access.

Question 5

Which of the following is a mandatory final step for a flexible endoscope after it has undergone high-level disinfection and thorough rinsing, but before it is stored?

Accepted Answer

Flushing all channels with 70% isopropyl alcohol followed by forced, filtered air.

Answer

Wiping the exterior with a saline-soaked cloth.

Answer

Wrapping the endoscope in a peel pouch for sterilization.

Answer

Coiling the endoscope tightly to fit in a small container.

Question 6

After an instrument undergoes high-level disinfection, it must be thoroughly rinsed. According to AAMI standards, what is the recommended quality for this final rinse water?

Accepted Answer

Critical water (e.g., sterile, distilled, deionized, or reverse osmosis water).

Answer

Standard hot tap water.

Answer

A sterile saline solution.

Answer

Utility water that has been allowed to sit for one hour.

An SPD technician is reprocessing a flexible gastroscope.After thorough manual cleaning, what is the next critical step BEFORE immersing the scope in the high-level disinfectant solution?

An SPD technician is reprocessing a flexible gastroscope.
After thorough manual cleaning, what is the next critical step BEFORE immersing the scope in the high-level disinfectant solution?