Questions and Answers
How often should floors be cleaned and disinfected?
Daily
In the decontamination area, biohazardous waste should be removed at frequent intervals.
True
Mops and other cleaning tools used in the decontamination area should not be used in other areas.
True
Whenever CS technicians remove PPE, they should ________
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When should cloth scrub attire be changed?
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Decontamination shoe covers should be _________
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Safety training is the ongoing responsibility of both the employer and the CS technician.
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Before any new staff member is assigned to the decontamination area, he/she must receive a thorough and comprehensive orientation.
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Preparation of the work area is an essential first step in promoting safety and efficacy in the decontamination area.
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All soiled items should flow from dirty to clean.
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What types of sinks should a three-sink arrangement used for manual cleaning consist of?
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A wash sink is filled with water and _______ or ________
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What should the temperature of the solution in a wash sink be?
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What can impact the effectiveness of enzyme cleaners and detergents used in wash sinks? (List four factors)
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What is the process of removing all visible and non-visible soil from medical devices called?
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What is a decontamination area?
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What does relative humidity measure?
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What is biohazardous waste?
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What is deionized water?
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What is the process used by an ultrasonic cleaner that involves low-pressure bubbles?
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Instruments received from surgery and tagged for repair do not need to be cleaned until they come back from repair.
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To prevent aerosols, items should be brushed below the surface of the water.
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Automatic washers clean without any spray-force action.
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What is the preferred pH for detergents used for most cleaning processes?
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What should be done immediately when a spill occurs in the decontamination area?
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What describes the procedure that should be used for cleaning surgical instruments?
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In the decontamination area, the first line of defense for reducing contaminates is ___________.
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It is less cost effective to centralize the decontamination function to one area of the healthcare facility.
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Emergency eyewash/shower equipment should be placed so these safety stations are accessible within ______ (time) or _______(distance) of areas of potential chemical exposure.
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What is the primary purpose of using emulsifiers in cleaning agents?
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Study Notes
Cleaning and Decontamination Terms
- Cleaning: Involves removing all visible and non-visible soil from medical devices.
- Decontamination Area: A specified location for collecting and cleaning soiled items within a healthcare facility.
- Relative Humidity: The percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere compared to its total capacity without condensation.
- Biohazardous Waste: Waste containing infectious agents that risk human health.
- Deionized Water: Water cleaned of all minerals through an ion exchange process.
- Distilled Water: Water gained through boiling and condensing steam, removing impurities.
- Reverse Osmosis: Water purification process that removes impurities by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane.
- Pyrogen: Substances that induce fever when introduced to the blood.
- Cavitation: A cleaning method where low-pressure bubbles burst to dislodge soil from instruments.
- Impingement: A cleaning method using pressurized water spray to remove bioburden.
Cleaning Agents and Techniques
- Emulsifier: Ingredients that combine substances like oil and water, aiding cleaning.
- Surfactant: Lowers water surface tension, enhancing the solubility of organic compounds.
- Chelating Agents: Chemicals that prevent hard water minerals from impairing soap or detergent efficacy.
- Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS): Inflammatory reaction caused by noninfectious substances damaging intraocular tissues.
Decontamination Procedures
- Horizontal surfaces in the decontamination area must be cleaned daily, ideally at shift changes.
- Instruments should be rinsed with cool water to prevent protein coagulation before cleaning.
- Powered surgical instruments must not be immersed.
- The optimal temperature for the decontamination area is 60-65°F; humidity levels should be 30%-60%.
- Decontamination cleaning procedures include prompt cleaning of spills, daily floor cleaning, and frequent biohazard waste removal.
Mechanical Cleaning Devices
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: Utilize cavitation for detailed cleaning, effective in removing debris from difficult areas.
- Washer-disinfectors: Use a three-step process including pre-rinse, detergent wash, and final rinse using high-temperature water.
- Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs): Must clean items prior to processing, utilizing specific approved cleaning chemicals.
Enzymatic Cleaners
- Lipase Enzymes: Target fatty material such as bone marrow for breakdown.
- Protease Enzymes: Attack proteins found in blood and tissue remnants.
- Amylase Enzymes: Responsible for breaking down starch.
Instrument Cleaning Practices
- Three-Sink Arrangement: For manual cleaning, includes a wash sink with detergent, an intermediate rinse sink with plain water, and a final rinse sink with deionized water.
- Use low-foaming detergents in ultrasonic cleaners to maintain cleaning efficacy.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and substances like saline or hydrogen peroxide, unless recommended by device manufacturers.
Safety and Protocols
- Emergency Eyewash Stations: Should be reachable within 10 seconds or 30 meters from chemical exposure areas.
- Cleaning tools for the decontamination area must not be used elsewhere to maintain cleanliness.
- New staff in the decontamination area require thorough orientation about safety and procedures.
Miscellaneous Facts
- Compressed air used for medical devices must be free from contaminants such as oil and water.
- Proper preparation and constant maintenance of a clean work area are critical for effective decontamination.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering Chapter 8 of the IAHCSMM CRCST 8th Edition. This chapter focuses on key terms related to the cleaning and decontamination of medical devices. Perfect for those preparing for certification in sterile processing and distribution.
