A-IPC EXAM Most Recent exam
COMPLETE Questions and Answers
2026
Spaulding classification - critical - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-comes into contact with
intact skin, but not mucous membranes. To process, disinfected or protected with
barrier according to MIFU
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,Spaulding classification - single-use - Correct answer-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.
Droplet transmission - Correct answer-coughs and sneezes can spread droplets of
saliva and mucous. >5 micrometers diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-proper containment
(usually with biohazard bags), cold-chain maintenance (if required), timely
delivery, documentation (keep records of transport), ensure transport vehicles are
clean
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,appropriate practices for specimen handling - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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) - Correct answer-microorganisms are introduced
during specimen collection or processing, not causing disease. No disease
symptoms, false-positive lab results due to external contamination. No treatment
needed, but misdiagnosis can occur, leading to unnecessary interventions
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, prophylactic antimicrobial use - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
COMPLETE Questions and Answers
2026
Spaulding classification - critical - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-comes into contact with
intact skin, but not mucous membranes. To process, disinfected or protected with
barrier according to MIFU
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Spaulding classification - single-use - Correct answer-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.
Droplet transmission - Correct answer-coughs and sneezes can spread droplets of
saliva and mucous. >5 micrometers diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-proper containment
(usually with biohazard bags), cold-chain maintenance (if required), timely
delivery, documentation (keep records of transport), ensure transport vehicles are
clean
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,appropriate practices for specimen handling - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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) - Correct answer-microorganisms are introduced
during specimen collection or processing, not causing disease. No disease
symptoms, false-positive lab results due to external contamination. No treatment
needed, but misdiagnosis can occur, leading to unnecessary interventions
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, prophylactic antimicrobial use - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
