Chapter 5: Decontamination - Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, technical standards, and safety protocols for medical device decontamination based on the Chapter 5 lecture notes.

Decontamination

The removal or inactivation of bloodborne pathogens to render surfaces or items safe for handling, as per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030.

Cleaning

The removal of debris and contaminants using physical or chemical methods without the aim of killing microbes; it is considered the most crucial step in the sterilization process.

Biofilms

Microbial communities with protective polysaccharide films that form on medical devices and resist disinfectants and sterilization.

Utility Water

Tap water used for initial rinsing and pre-soaking in the decontamination process.

Critical Water

Specially purified water (RO, distilled, or deionized) recommended for final rinsing to prevent residue buildup and eliminate pyrogens.

pH Scale

A scale ranging from $1$ to $14$ used to measure acidity and alkalinity, where $7$ is neutral, values below $7$ are acidic, and values above $7$ are alkaline.

Enzymatic Detergents

Cleansing agents containing multiple enzymes to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, typically effective between $109^\text{o}F$ and $140^\text{o}F$.

Cavitation

The process used in ultrasonic cleaning where sound waves cause the formation and collapse of bubbles to agitate liquid and remove soil from hard-to-reach areas.

Negative Air Pressure

An environmental control within the decontamination area that ensures air flows into the room to contain contaminants.

Instructions for Use (IFU)

Manufacturer-provided guidance regarding disassembly, cleaning agents, tools, and step-by-step procedures that SPD personnel must meticulously follow.

Bioburden

The number of viable microorganisms present on a contaminated item.

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS)

An acute inflammation of the eye linked to inadequate cleaning and rinsing of ophthalmic instruments.

TOSI

A cleaning verification tool used to check the effectiveness of mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners.

Performance Qualification (PQ)

Processes essential for verifying that cleaning equipment meets required standards before routine service.

Preventive Maintenance (PM)

A scheduled maintenance program for cleaning equipment to ensure adherence to safety and operational standards.

ANSI/AAMI ST79

The standard that outlines environmental temperature and humidity guidelines for sterile processing areas.

Level 3 Barrier

The minimum level of fluid resistance required for gowns worn by decontamination personnel.

FDA Powdered Glove Ban

A mandate effective January 18, 2017, prohibiting the use of powdered surgical gloves to improve health and safety.

Electrolysis

A form of corrosion and device damage caused by mixing dissimilar metals like stainless steel and copper in mechanical washer loads.

Kerrison Rongeurs

Specialized orthopedic instruments that require specific attention during cleaning based on whether they are openable or non-openable.

EndoWrist®

Specific robotic instruments that require careful inspection for visible debris and thorough flushing of internal components.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Documentation providing information on hazards, storage, and safety measures for chemical substances used in SPD.

Washer Decontaminators

Automated equipment used to perform cleaning and thermal disinfection cycles on medical instruments.

Prion-Contaminated Devices

Instruments requiring immediate decontamination and specialized protocols described in ANSI/AAMI ST79 Annex C.

What is the primary purpose of decontamination in sterile processing?

To remove harmful microorganisms.

What is the first step in the decontamination process?

Cleaning.

Recommended air exchanges in the decontamination area?

10.

True or False: The decontamination area should maintain negative air pressure to help contain contaminants.

TRUE.

True or False: Pass-through windows should be kept closed to maintain negative airflow.

TRUE.

PPE should have what type of shoe covers?

Fluid-protective shoe covers with slip-resistant bottoms.

What should you do first when donning PPE?

Don shoe covers first, then wash your hands.

Why should jewelry not be worn in the decontamination area?

It cannot be easily cleaned and may catch on equipment, causing injury.

Who requires that sharps be contained in impervious containers?

OSHA.

What should gross soil be removed with at the point of use?

A disposable gauze pad or a cloth moistened with water.

What is most commonly used in the cleaning phase of decontamination?

Detergents and mechanical washers.

What should be done to items before placing them in a mechanical washer?

Pre-clean to remove gross debris.

What type of water is preferred for cleaning during decontamination?

Distilled or purified water.

What is the main purpose of ultrasonic cleaning?

To remove debris using sound waves.

What does the term 'biofilm' refer to in decontamination?

A layer of bacteria and organic material that forms on surfaces.

Why is it important to remove visible debris before disinfection?

To ensure better cleaning efficiency.

What are the steps in the cleaning process?

1. Sorting the items to be cleaned. 2. Disposal of single-use items. 3. Rinsing or pre-soaking the items. 4. Cleaning (manual or mechanical). 5. Rinsing (with critical water). 6. Drying. 7. Inspection for cleanliness.

What is the purpose of sorting surgical instruments?

To facilitate cleaning and prevent sharps injuries.

What do most mechanical washers have for detergent?

Automatic detergent dispensers.

What is the primary purpose of washer-decontaminators?

To remove soil and microorganisms from medical devices.

What is a major contributor to cleaning failures in mechanical washers?

Improper loading.

What is the primary purpose of decontamination in sterile processing?

To remove harmful microorganisms.

Which of the following is the first step in the decontamination process?

Cleaning.

Recommended air exchanges in the decontamination area?

10.

True or False: The decontamination area should maintain negative air pressure to help contain contaminants.

TRUE.

True or False: Pass-through windows should be kept closed to maintain negative airflow.

TRUE.

What type of shoe covers should PPE have?

Fluid-protective shoe covers with slip-resistant bottoms.

What should you do first when donning PPE?

Don shoe covers first, then wash your hands.

Why should jewelry not be worn in the decontamination area?

It cannot be easily cleaned and may catch on equipment, causing injury.

Who requires that sharps be contained in impervious containers?

OSHA.

What should gross soil be removed with at the point of use?

A disposable gauze pad or a cloth moistened with water.

What is most commonly used in the cleaning phase of decontamination?

Detergents and mechanical washers.

What should be done to items before placing them in a mechanical washer?

Pre-clean to remove gross debris.

What type of water is preferred for cleaning during decontamination?

Distilled or purified water.

What is the main purpose of ultrasonic cleaning?

To remove debris using sound waves.

What does the term 'biofilm' refer to in decontamination?

A layer of bacteria and organic material that forms on surfaces.

Why is it important to remove visible debris before disinfection?

It ensures better cleaning efficiency.

What are the steps in the cleaning process?

1. Sorting the items to be cleaned. 2. Disposal of single-use items. 3. Rinsing or pre-soaking the items. 4. Cleaning (manual or mechanical). 5. Rinsing (with critical water). 6. Drying. 7. Inspection for cleanliness.

What is the purpose of sorting surgical instruments?

To facilitate cleaning and prevent sharps injuries.

What do most mechanical washers have for detergent?

Automatic detergent dispensers.

What is the primary purpose of washer-decontaminators?

To remove soil and microorganisms from medical devices.

What is a major contributor to cleaning failures in mechanical washers?

Improper loading.