CER High-Level Disinfection Processes 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum recommended contact time for 2% glutaraldehyde to achieve high-level disinfection at 20°C (68°F)?
- 10 minutes
- 20 minutes (Correct answer)
- 45 minutes
- 60 minutes
Correct answer: 20 minutes
2% glutaraldehyde requires at least 20 minutes of contact time at 20°C to achieve high-level disinfection per most manufacturer guidelines.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the term 'soak time' in high-level disinfection?
- The time required to rinse the endoscope after disinfection
- The duration the endoscope is submerged in the HLD solution (Correct answer)
- The time needed to dry the endoscope after processing
- The period between last patient use and start of reprocessing
Correct answer: The duration the endoscope is submerged in the HLD solution
Soak time refers to the period the endoscope remains fully submerged and in contact with the HLD solution to destroy pathogens.
Question 3: A technician notices that the HLD solution appears cloudy and discolored. What is the correct action?
- Continue use if the MRC test passes
- Discard the solution and replace with fresh HLD (Correct answer)
- Add more chemical concentrate to restore potency
- Filter the solution to remove contaminants
Correct answer: Discard the solution and replace with fresh HLD
Visibly cloudy or discolored HLD solution should be discarded immediately, as organic contamination can render it ineffective regardless of MRC test results.
Question 4: Which microorganism category is most resistant to high-level disinfectants and requires sterilization rather than HLD?
- Vegetative bacteria
- Lipid viruses
- Bacterial endospores (Correct answer)
- Fungi
Correct answer: Bacterial endospores
Bacterial endospores are the most resistant form of microbial life and require sterilization; HLD may not reliably eliminate all spores.
Question 5: What does MRC stand for in the context of HLD chemical testing?
- Minimum Required Concentration (Correct answer)
- Maximum Reuse Cycle
- Microorganism Resistance Check
- Manual Reprocessing Compliance
Correct answer: Minimum Required Concentration
MRC stands for Minimum Required Concentration, which is the lowest effective concentration of HLD solution as determined by the manufacturer.
Question 6: How often must HLD solution concentration be tested when used in a manual soaking basin?
- Once per day at the start of the shift
- Before each use or per manufacturer instructions (Correct answer)
- Weekly, using a certified laboratory test
- Only when the solution appears discolored
Correct answer: Before each use or per manufacturer instructions
HLD solution must be tested before each use or according to manufacturer instructions to confirm it remains above the minimum required concentration.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a factor that can reduce the efficacy of a high-level disinfectant?
- Organic soil remaining on the scope
- Dilution from wet scopes
- Using a covered container during soak (Correct answer)
- Elevated temperature beyond recommended range
Correct answer: Using a covered container during soak
Using a covered container actually helps maintain concentration and temperature; it does not reduce HLD efficacy.
CER High-Level Disinfection Processes 2
What is the minimum recommended contact time for 2% glutaraldehyde to achieve high-level disinfection at 20°C (68°F)?