IAHCSMM (MCQ) 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using ultrasonic cleaners, why must instruments be rinsed thoroughly after the ultrasonic cycle?
- To lower the temperature of the instruments before handling
- To remove loosened soil and detergent residue that could interfere with sterilization (Correct answer)
- To activate the enzymatic detergent for further cleaning
- To sterilize the instruments before packaging
Correct answer: To remove loosened soil and detergent residue that could interfere with sterilization
Post-ultrasonic rinsing removes loosened bioburden and detergent residue that could interfere with sterilization or cause patient reactions.
Question 2: What does 'flash sterilization' (now called Immediate Use Steam Sterilization or IUSS) require before it can be performed?
- Special IUSS packaging designed for immediate delivery (Correct answer)
- A full biological indicator test for every cycle
- Prior approval from the hospital administrator
- Only single-use instruments may be IUSS processed
Correct answer: Special IUSS packaging designed for immediate delivery
IUSS requires appropriate IUSS-compatible containment (open tray or approved container) and documented justification, and items must be delivered immediately for use.
Question 3: Which organization publishes the ANSI/AAMI ST79 document, a comprehensive guide for steam sterilization in healthcare facilities?
- CDC
- The Joint Commission
- AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) (Correct answer)
- OSHA
Correct answer: AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation)
AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) publishes ANSI/AAMI ST79, the primary guidance document for steam sterilization practices.
Question 4: Which type of wrapping material provides a microbial barrier while allowing steam penetration during sterilization?
- Polyethylene plastic bags
- SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric (Correct answer)
- Aluminum foil
- Silicone pouches
Correct answer: SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric
SMS nonwoven fabric is steam-permeable during sterilization and provides an effective microbial barrier for maintaining sterility after the cycle.
Question 5: A CS technician finds an instrument set with a broken seal on the outer wrap. The correct action is to:
- Re-wrap and label without reprocessing if there is no visible contamination
- Consider the set non-sterile and reprocess it completely (Correct answer)
- Place it in a secondary bag and return it to storage
- Use the set immediately to avoid further handling
Correct answer: Consider the set non-sterile and reprocess it completely
Any compromise to packaging integrity renders the item non-sterile; it must be fully reprocessed through cleaning and sterilization.
Question 6: What information must appear on a sterilization package label?
- Sterilizer model number, technician's weight, and patient name
- Load number, sterilizer number, cycle date, and expiration date or lot control number (Correct answer)
- Only the sterilization date and technician initials
- Instrument name, surgeon preference, and OR room assignment
Correct answer: Load number, sterilizer number, cycle date, and expiration date or lot control number
Sterilization labels must include the load/lot number, sterilizer identification, cycle date, and expiration or event-related information for traceability.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes 'biofilm' and why it is a concern in CS instrument reprocessing?
- A thin film of oil applied to protect instrument joints
- A community of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix that resists cleaning and disinfection (Correct answer)
- Residue from biological indicators used in sterilizer testing
- A coating applied by manufacturers to prevent corrosion
Correct answer: A community of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix that resists cleaning and disinfection
Biofilm is a structured community of bacteria within a polysaccharide matrix that strongly adheres to surfaces and resists standard cleaning and disinfection methods.
IAHCSMM (MCQ) 5
When using ultrasonic cleaners, why must instruments be rinsed thoroughly after the ultrasonic cycle?