IAHCSMM Decontamination & Cleaning Procedures

Question 1

What is the first step in the decontamination process for reusable surgical instruments?

Accepted Answer

Point-of-use pre-cleaning

Answer

Sterilization

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Packaging

Question 2

Which water quality is recommended for the final rinse of surgical instruments in an automated washer?

Accepted Answer

Deionized or softened water

Answer

Tap water

Answer

Distilled water

Answer

Reverse osmosis water only

Question 3

What pH range is generally recommended for enzymatic detergents used in instrument cleaning?

Accepted Answer

6.0–8.0 (near neutral)

Answer

2.0–4.0 (strongly acidic)

Answer

4.5–6.5 (mildly acidic)

Answer

9.0–11.0 (alkaline)

Question 4

What is the purpose of using a lint-free cloth when manually cleaning instruments?

Accepted Answer

To prevent leaving fibers that could interfere with sterilization

Answer

To increase friction for better cleaning

Answer

To absorb excess detergent

Answer

To polish instrument surfaces

Question 5

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working in the decontamination area?

Accepted Answer

Full barrier PPE including gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection

Answer

Gloves only

Answer

Face mask and gloves

Answer

Gloves and eye protection only

Question 6

How should lumened instruments such as endoscopes be cleaned manually?

Accepted Answer

Brushed internally with an appropriately sized brush and flushed

Answer

Soaked in detergent solution only

Answer

Flushed with pressurized air

Answer

Wiped externally with enzymatic wipe