Decontamination Practices 5 – Sterile Processing and Infection Control – 2026 –
Study and Practice Guide
Mechanical equipment - correct answer ✔✔ Equipment used for proper installation, operation,
cleaning, and maintenance
Manufacturer information - correct answer ✔✔ Information from the manufacturer regarding
installation, care, use, maintenance, and supplies
Risk classifications - correct answer ✔✔ Classification of medical devices based on the level of
risk for decontamination
Mechanical washer - correct answer ✔✔ Automated washer used to remove soil and
microorganisms from equipment
Cleaning with thermal or chemical disinfection - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning method that uses
heat or chemicals to inactivate microorganisms
Mechanical washer cleaning - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning of the complete washer and
accessory devices, lubrication checks, and testing cleaning ability
Follow manufacturer's instructions - correct answer ✔✔ Adhering to the instructions provided
by the equipment manufacturer
Inspected water washing chamber - correct answer ✔✔ Checking the temperature and
functionality of the water washing chamber
What are some types of mechanical washers? - correct answer ✔✔ washer-disinfection,
ultrasonic cleaners, cart washers, washer pasteurmatic
, Not all devices can go in washer - correct answer ✔✔ Certain devices cannot be cleaned in a
mechanical washer due to delicacy or potential damage
Ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer ✔✔ Machine that uses *sound waves* to clean surgical
instruments
Maintenance of ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning and disinfecting the interior
and exterior of the ultrasonic cleaner
Operation of ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer ✔✔ Adjusting water pressure, checking
detergent levels, and rinsing devices after cleaning
Cart washer - correct answer ✔✔ Larger washer-disinfector designed to clean rolling carts, rigid
containers, and medical devices
Maintenance and cleaning of cart washer - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning the chamber, testing
temperature and cleaning ability, and cleaning filter and spray nozzles
Micro sprayer - correct answer ✔✔ Handheld water spray is used to wash down larger
equipment
*We do not really like this method anymore*
Respiratory and anesthesia devices - correct answer ✔✔ Devices used for assisted ventilation
and anesthesia, require thorough cleaning and disinfection
Ambu bag - correct answer ✔✔ A medical device used for assisted ventilation, consisting of a
bag, adapter, and one-way valve
Study and Practice Guide
Mechanical equipment - correct answer ✔✔ Equipment used for proper installation, operation,
cleaning, and maintenance
Manufacturer information - correct answer ✔✔ Information from the manufacturer regarding
installation, care, use, maintenance, and supplies
Risk classifications - correct answer ✔✔ Classification of medical devices based on the level of
risk for decontamination
Mechanical washer - correct answer ✔✔ Automated washer used to remove soil and
microorganisms from equipment
Cleaning with thermal or chemical disinfection - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning method that uses
heat or chemicals to inactivate microorganisms
Mechanical washer cleaning - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning of the complete washer and
accessory devices, lubrication checks, and testing cleaning ability
Follow manufacturer's instructions - correct answer ✔✔ Adhering to the instructions provided
by the equipment manufacturer
Inspected water washing chamber - correct answer ✔✔ Checking the temperature and
functionality of the water washing chamber
What are some types of mechanical washers? - correct answer ✔✔ washer-disinfection,
ultrasonic cleaners, cart washers, washer pasteurmatic
, Not all devices can go in washer - correct answer ✔✔ Certain devices cannot be cleaned in a
mechanical washer due to delicacy or potential damage
Ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer ✔✔ Machine that uses *sound waves* to clean surgical
instruments
Maintenance of ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning and disinfecting the interior
and exterior of the ultrasonic cleaner
Operation of ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer ✔✔ Adjusting water pressure, checking
detergent levels, and rinsing devices after cleaning
Cart washer - correct answer ✔✔ Larger washer-disinfector designed to clean rolling carts, rigid
containers, and medical devices
Maintenance and cleaning of cart washer - correct answer ✔✔ Cleaning the chamber, testing
temperature and cleaning ability, and cleaning filter and spray nozzles
Micro sprayer - correct answer ✔✔ Handheld water spray is used to wash down larger
equipment
*We do not really like this method anymore*
Respiratory and anesthesia devices - correct answer ✔✔ Devices used for assisted ventilation
and anesthesia, require thorough cleaning and disinfection
Ambu bag - correct answer ✔✔ A medical device used for assisted ventilation, consisting of a
bag, adapter, and one-way valve
