Decontamination and Cleaning Processes Flashcards
6 cards from real HSPA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Decontamination and Cleaning Processes flashcards as text
What is the first step in decontamination for soiled surgical instruments?
Answer: Point-of-use pre-treatment to prevent bioburden from drying
Point-of-use pre-treatment prevents blood and tissue from drying on surfaces, making subsequent cleaning more effective.
What minimum water temperature is typically required for thermal disinfection in a washer-disinfector?
Answer: 180°F (82°C)
Thermal disinfection requires water temperatures of at least 180°F (82°C) to achieve high-level disinfection.
Why must aluminum instruments be segregated during decontamination?
Answer: Alkaline detergents can cause corrosion and discoloration of aluminum
Aluminum reacts with alkaline detergents, causing pitting, corrosion, and discoloration, so neutral pH detergents must be used.
What is the purpose of the lubrication step (milk bath) in instrument processing?
Answer: To protect moving parts and prevent corrosion with a water-soluble lubricant
Instrument milk coats surfaces and joints to prevent corrosion, reduce friction, and extend instrument life.
What determines the minimum exposure time for manual cleaning with enzymatic detergent?
Answer: The time specified by the detergent manufacturer's IFU
Enzymatic detergent soak times must follow the manufacturer's IFU, as different formulations require different contact times.
What type of water should be used for the final rinse in instrument reprocessing?
Answer: Critical water meeting AAMI quality standards
Critical water meeting AAMI TIR34 standards prevents mineral deposits, spotting, and contamination of cleaned instruments.