A-IPC EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS | LATEST
VERSION 2025/2026.
Spaulding classification - critical - ANS Enters sterile system or the vascular system and
therefore heightens the risk of infection if contaminated with microorganisms, including
bacterial spores. To process, sterilize according to MIFU and kept in their intact sterile
packaging before use. If single use, disposed of immediately after use.
Spaulding classification - semi-critical - ANS comes into contact with mucous membranes or
non-intact skin. To process, sterilize according to MIFU. Heat sensitive items are processed
through high level disinfection between patient use according to MIFU or used as a single-use
item. Sterilization is preferred.
Spaulding classification - noncritical - ANS comes into contact with intact skin, but not
mucous membranes. To process, disinfected or protected with barrier according to MIFU
Spaulding classification - single-use - ANS Critical and semi-critical devices and instruments
that are labelled by the manufacturer to be used only once, as they cannot be cleaned,
disinfected, or sterilized reliably OR devices that are purchased with a MIFU that does not
contain reprocessing instructions. These items are not reprocessed.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
,Droplet transmission - ANS coughs and sneezes can spread droplets of saliva and mucous. >5
micrometers diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - ANS tiny particles, possibly produced by talking, as suspended in the
air for longer and travel further. <5 micrometers diameter and greater than 6ft of travel
appropriate practices for specimen collection - ANS wear proper PPE, use aseptic technique
to minimize contamination, proper identification (label immediately), use of sterile containers,
avoid cross-contamination
appropriate practices for specimen transport - ANS proper containment (usually with
biohazard bags), cold-chain maintenance (if required), timely delivery, documentation (keep
records of transport), ensure transport vehicles are clean
appropriate practices for specimen handling - ANS minimum handling, use of biohazard bags,
work area is clean, centrifugation (if needed, ensure in proper BSL), proper sharps handling
appropriate practices for specimen storage - ANS store at proper temperature, labelled
properly, proper separation and organization of specimens, strict access to specimens, monitor
conditions to ensure no changes, and clearly define expiration dates and dispose of when
expired
colonization - ANS microorganisms live on body surface, but do not cause disease. No
symptoms, no immune response, harmless. No treatment needed, but the person can still be a
source of transmission.
infection - ANS microorganisms invade the body, multiple, and cause tissue damage and
immune response. Symptoms present and immune system activated. Treatment needed and
can lead to complications if not treated
pseudo-infection (contamination) - ANS microorganisms are introduced during specimen
collection or processing, not causing disease. No disease symptoms, false-positive lab results
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, due to external contamination. No treatment needed, but misdiagnosis can occur, leading to
unnecessary interventions
prophylactic antimicrobial use - ANS administration of an antimicrobial agent to prevent an
infection before it occurs. Typically used in situations where a person is at high risk of
developing an infection due to surgery, immunosuppression, or exposure to a pathogen. For
example, antibiotics given before/after surgery to prevent SSI
empirical antimicrobial use - ANS Initiated when a patient presents with symptoms of
infection, but the specific pathogen may has not yet been identified. In this case, broad-
spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed based on the most likely pathogens, local
epidemiology, and clinical presentation. Once lab results identify the causative organism, the
treatment can be adjusted
therapeutic antimicrobial use - ANS use of antimicrobials to treat an established infection
where the causative organism has been identified (or strongly suspected) and is known to be
susceptible to the prescribed agent. This use is targeted and specific, aiming to eradicate
infection.
hand hygiene - ANS perform before and after patient contact, before handling or eating
food, after using the restroom, and after handling any contaminated material. Use soap and
water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when soap and
water aren't available
appropriate availability, selection, use, and disposal of PPE - ANS ensure PPE is readily
available in appropriate locations, use PPE based on the type of exposure risk, dispose of
properly after use (gloves should be discarded immediately after patient contact)
donning of PPE - ANS start with hand hygiene, then put on gown, mask, eye protection, and
gloves in that order.
doffing of PPE - ANS remove gloves first (to avoid contamination), then gown, eye
protection, and mask. Perform hand hygiene after each step
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
CORRECT ANSWERS | LATEST
VERSION 2025/2026.
Spaulding classification - critical - ANS Enters sterile system or the vascular system and
therefore heightens the risk of infection if contaminated with microorganisms, including
bacterial spores. To process, sterilize according to MIFU and kept in their intact sterile
packaging before use. If single use, disposed of immediately after use.
Spaulding classification - semi-critical - ANS comes into contact with mucous membranes or
non-intact skin. To process, sterilize according to MIFU. Heat sensitive items are processed
through high level disinfection between patient use according to MIFU or used as a single-use
item. Sterilization is preferred.
Spaulding classification - noncritical - ANS comes into contact with intact skin, but not
mucous membranes. To process, disinfected or protected with barrier according to MIFU
Spaulding classification - single-use - ANS Critical and semi-critical devices and instruments
that are labelled by the manufacturer to be used only once, as they cannot be cleaned,
disinfected, or sterilized reliably OR devices that are purchased with a MIFU that does not
contain reprocessing instructions. These items are not reprocessed.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
,Droplet transmission - ANS coughs and sneezes can spread droplets of saliva and mucous. >5
micrometers diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - ANS tiny particles, possibly produced by talking, as suspended in the
air for longer and travel further. <5 micrometers diameter and greater than 6ft of travel
appropriate practices for specimen collection - ANS wear proper PPE, use aseptic technique
to minimize contamination, proper identification (label immediately), use of sterile containers,
avoid cross-contamination
appropriate practices for specimen transport - ANS proper containment (usually with
biohazard bags), cold-chain maintenance (if required), timely delivery, documentation (keep
records of transport), ensure transport vehicles are clean
appropriate practices for specimen handling - ANS minimum handling, use of biohazard bags,
work area is clean, centrifugation (if needed, ensure in proper BSL), proper sharps handling
appropriate practices for specimen storage - ANS store at proper temperature, labelled
properly, proper separation and organization of specimens, strict access to specimens, monitor
conditions to ensure no changes, and clearly define expiration dates and dispose of when
expired
colonization - ANS microorganisms live on body surface, but do not cause disease. No
symptoms, no immune response, harmless. No treatment needed, but the person can still be a
source of transmission.
infection - ANS microorganisms invade the body, multiple, and cause tissue damage and
immune response. Symptoms present and immune system activated. Treatment needed and
can lead to complications if not treated
pseudo-infection (contamination) - ANS microorganisms are introduced during specimen
collection or processing, not causing disease. No disease symptoms, false-positive lab results
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, due to external contamination. No treatment needed, but misdiagnosis can occur, leading to
unnecessary interventions
prophylactic antimicrobial use - ANS administration of an antimicrobial agent to prevent an
infection before it occurs. Typically used in situations where a person is at high risk of
developing an infection due to surgery, immunosuppression, or exposure to a pathogen. For
example, antibiotics given before/after surgery to prevent SSI
empirical antimicrobial use - ANS Initiated when a patient presents with symptoms of
infection, but the specific pathogen may has not yet been identified. In this case, broad-
spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed based on the most likely pathogens, local
epidemiology, and clinical presentation. Once lab results identify the causative organism, the
treatment can be adjusted
therapeutic antimicrobial use - ANS use of antimicrobials to treat an established infection
where the causative organism has been identified (or strongly suspected) and is known to be
susceptible to the prescribed agent. This use is targeted and specific, aiming to eradicate
infection.
hand hygiene - ANS perform before and after patient contact, before handling or eating
food, after using the restroom, and after handling any contaminated material. Use soap and
water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when soap and
water aren't available
appropriate availability, selection, use, and disposal of PPE - ANS ensure PPE is readily
available in appropriate locations, use PPE based on the type of exposure risk, dispose of
properly after use (gloves should be discarded immediately after patient contact)
donning of PPE - ANS start with hand hygiene, then put on gown, mask, eye protection, and
gloves in that order.
doffing of PPE - ANS remove gloves first (to avoid contamination), then gown, eye
protection, and mask. Perform hand hygiene after each step
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
