What is cleaning defined as by AAMI? - Answers Removal of contamination from an item to the extent
necessary for further processing or for the intended use.
What is decontamination as defined by OSHA? - Answers Chemical means to remove, inactivate, or
destroy blood-borne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of
transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use or disposal
What are the (2) steps involved in the "Decontamination Process" and which is most important? -
Answers 1st Manual or automated cleaning (MOST IMPORTANT)2nd Thermal or chemical disinfection
When is the disinfection method used? - Answers When cleaning alone might not be enough to make an
item "Safe for reuse or further handling" without transmitting disease.
Name (3) items that are processed, or undergo the contamination process - Answers Surgical
instrumentation, Medical devices and Patient care equipment.
What types of debris can be found on these items? - Answers Blood, body tissue, bone or fluids
Microorganisms on a contaminated item? - Answers Bioburden (Patho or non patho)
What is the temperature in decontamination? - Answers 60*F-65*F
What is the humidity level in decontamination? - Answers 30%-60%
What is the air pressure in decontamination? - Answers Negative
How often should environmental conditions be monitored and documented? - Answers Daily
If facilities have no physical barriers to separate clean from dirty areas, what should be done? - Answers
ALL procedural barriers (Dirty to clean) Decontamination is done 1st, clean and disinfect the area,
remove PPE's and wash your hands, then preparation and packaging can be performed
How many air exchanges per hour are there in decontamination? - Answers 10 and air pressure negative
PPEs what does it stand for? - Answers Personal Protective equipment
Are PPE's optional by OSHA standards? - Answers NO (there could also be disciplinary consequences if
employee is not trained)
When surgical scrubs are soiled who is responsible for laundering the uniforms? - Answers The facility
List of PPEs - Answers Scrubs, Impervious (fluid proof) long sleeve gowns, Eye goggles and face shields,
to protect from splashes entering above or below fluid resistant masks, head coverings (protect
instruments from hair) and fluid protective shoe coverings and gloves
Applying PPE?