Decontamination Flashcards
7 cards from real CRCST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Decontamination flashcards as text
Which regulatory standard provides the most widely referenced guidelines for decontamination and reprocessing of reusable medical devices in the US?
Answer: AAMI ST79
AAMI ST79 is the primary comprehensive guideline for steam sterilization and sterility assurance that includes decontamination processes for reusable medical devices.
During manual cleaning, a brush used to clean instrument lumens should be:
Answer: Single-use or thoroughly decontaminated and sterilized between uses
Brushes used to clean instrument lumens should be single-use or fully decontaminated and sterilized between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
What is the term for the process of using wet heat (hot water without boiling) at temperatures of 75°C–100°C to kill most vegetative bacteria but NOT spores?
Answer: Pasteurization
Pasteurization uses wet heat at temperatures of 75°C–100°C to destroy most vegetative pathogens but does not eliminate all spores or achieve sterility.
Which type of soil is the MOST difficult to remove from instruments and poses the greatest sterilization failure risk if not removed?
Answer: Dried blood and protein-based bioburden
Dried blood and protein-based soil is the most difficult to remove because proteins coagulate when heated or dried, forming a protective layer that can shield microorganisms from sterilants.
When loading a washer-disinfector, how should instruments with concave surfaces (bowls, basins) be positioned?
Answer: Inverted (face down) so water drains rather than pools
Concave items like basins should be inverted so water and detergent can drain freely rather than pool, ensuring effective washing and rinsing of all surfaces.
Which statement correctly describes the relationship between cleaning and sterilization?
Answer: Adequate cleaning is a prerequisite for effective sterilization — soil can protect microorganisms from sterilants
Cleaning must precede sterilization because organic soil and bioburden can physically shield microorganisms from sterilants, causing sterilization failure regardless of method.
A technician finds rust-like spots on instruments after processing through the washer-disinfector. Which factor is LEAST likely to cause this?
Answer: Use of enzymatic detergent
Enzymatic detergent is not associated with rust formation; rust is typically caused by carbon steel contact, chloride residues, inadequate rinsing, or high chlorine content in water.