Safety & Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real CIT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety & Infection Control flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a pre-vacuum (Type B) autoclave cycle compared to a gravity cycle?
Answer: It removes air pockets to achieve better steam penetration into lumens and pouches
Pre-vacuum cycles use vacuum pulses to remove air from the chamber, ensuring superior steam penetration into lumens, wrapped items, and porous loads.
Which regulatory body establishes the guidelines for sterilization monitoring in US dental offices?
Answer: CDC and OSHA jointly, with guidance from OSAP
The CDC provides sterilization and infection control guidelines, while OSHA enforces workplace safety regulations including sterilization practices in dental settings.
A dental implant technician inadvertently sustains a needlestick with a contaminated implant fixture. What is the FIRST immediate action?
Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
Immediately washing the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds is the first priority after a needlestick or sharps injury.
When storing sterilized implant instrument packs, which condition would compromise their sterility?
Answer: Storing in high-humidity areas with temperature fluctuations
High humidity and temperature fluctuations can compromise packaging integrity and allow microbial ingress, invalidating sterilization.
Which type of chemical indicator should be placed INSIDE sterilization pouches containing implant instruments?
Answer: Class 5 integrating indicator inside the pack
Class 5 integrating indicators inside packs confirm that sterilization conditions (time, temperature, and steam) were met throughout the entire load.
What is the recommended protocol for handling a contaminated implant drill that cannot be immediately cleaned?
Answer: Place it in a covered container with an enzymatic pre-soak solution
Contaminated instruments should be placed in an enzymatic pre-soak solution in a covered container to prevent drying of debris and facilitate later cleaning.
Under standard precautions, how should blood-soaked gauze from an implant surgical site be disposed?
Answer: Regulated medical waste (biohazard) container
Blood-soaked gauze that can release blood when compressed is regulated medical waste and must be disposed of in a biohazard container.