SPD High-Level Disinfection 2

Question 1

Which Spaulding classification level requires high-level disinfection as the minimum reprocessing standard?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical items

Answer

Semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin require at least high-level disinfection, which kills all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores.

Question 2

What is the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of a high-level disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

The lowest concentration of active ingredient at which the solution still achieves high-level disinfection

Answer

MEC is the lowest concentration at which the disinfectant maintains its germicidal effectiveness and must be verified before each use with chemical test strips.

Question 3

What is the most common high-level disinfectant used for flexible endoscope reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde (2%) or ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)

Answer

Glutaraldehyde and OPA are the most widely used high-level disinfectants for heat-sensitive devices like flexible endoscopes due to their broad-spectrum efficacy and material compatibility.

Question 4

What is the required final rinse procedure after high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Rinse thoroughly with sterile, filtered, or high-quality water to remove all chemical residue

Answer

After HLD, items must be rinsed thoroughly with sterile or filtered water to remove all disinfectant residues that could cause tissue irritation or chemical burns.

Question 5

What is the purpose of leak testing a flexible endoscope before high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

To detect perforations or seal failures that would allow fluid ingress and damage internal components or harbor organisms

Answer

Leak testing detects breaches in the endoscope's protective outer sheath that could allow cleaning solutions or body fluids to penetrate and damage components or create contamination reservoirs.

SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Test

SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Test

SPD High-Level Disinfection 2