IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 9 Disinfection

Last Updated on August 5, 2024

HSPA [Formerly IAHCSMM] CRCST Practice Test—Chapter 9 Disinfection is designed to help central service and Sterile Processing professionals prepare for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination.

This crucial chapter focuses on the methods and principles of disinfection, an essential process in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. Learn in depth about different types of disinfectants, their mechanisms of action, and the appropriate usage for various surfaces and instruments.

In our practice test, 27 multiple-choice questions cover a wide range of topics from Chapter 9, including various disinfection and sterilization methods, proper use of chemicals, and the importance of adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU). The questions address essential topics such as:

Types of disinfectants and their respective properties
Factors to consider when preparing a disinfectant solution
The importance of wet contact time in the disinfection process
Methods of thermal disinfection
Strategies to prevent recontamination during the disinfection process

IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 9

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CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 9

CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 9
Total Items: 27
Time Limit: N/A
Multiple Choice Quiz

1 / 27

What are the three categories of the Spaulding Classification System?

Low level disinfection, intermediate level disinfection, high level disinfection

Critical items, semi-critical items, non-critical items

Sterilization, disinfection, cleaning

Vegetative forms of bacteria, fungi, bacterial spores

2 / 27

What is the primary purpose of thermal disinfection?

Sterilization of medical devices

Reducing the amount of microorganisms, excluding spores, on a medical device

Killing all microorganisms, including spores, on a medical device

Disinfecting only heat-sensitive medical devices

3 / 27

What does wet contact time mean in the context of disinfection?

The time required for the disinfectant to evaporate

The time required for the disinfectant to dry on the item

The time the item must remain wet with the disinfectant for the entire stated contact time

The time required for the disinfectant to be absorbed by the item

4 / 27

Which of the following is NOT a factor that must be considered when preparing a disinfectant solution?

Appropriate concentration for use

Dilution or mixing requirements

Color of the solution

Correct temperature required for the disinfectant

5 / 27

What should be ensured during the disinfection process to prevent recontamination of the processed items?

The use of proper chemicals

Designated and separate work areas for cleaning and disinfection

Mixing chemicals

Using full strength solutions

6 / 27

Which disinfectant can achieve high-level disinfection in 5 minutes at room temperature?

Glutaraldehyde

OPA

Hydrogen peroxide

Peracetic acid

7 / 27

Which disinfectant is known to be effective against norovirus, rotavirus, RSV, MRSA, and TB?

Hydrogen peroxide

Glutaraldehyde

OPA

Peracetic acid

8 / 27

What is the primary disadvantage of using OPA as a disinfectant?

Corrosiveness

Noxious odors

Short product life

No sterilization claim

9 / 27

What is the primary advantage of using Ortho-Phthalaldehyde (OPas) a disinfectant?

Sterilization capability

No activation or mixing required

Non-corrosiveness

Broad-spectrum disinfection

10 / 27

What is the primary disadvantage of using glutaraldehyde as a disinfectant?

Short product life

Noxious odors

Corrosiveness

Incompatibility with certain materials

11 / 27

What is the recommended soaking time for sterilization or killing spores with glutaraldehyde?

2 minutes

6-10 hours

30 minutes

1 hour

12 / 27

Which of the following disinfectants can be used as a sterilant at the right concentrations?

Glutathione

Ortho-Phthalaldehyde (OPA)

Hydrogen peroxide

Peracetic acid

13 / 27

What does the term "wet contact" mean in the context of disinfection?

The item must remain wet with the disinfectant for the entire stated contact time

The item must be submerged in the disinfectant solution

The disinfectant must be applied to the item while it is submerged in water

The item must be rinsed with water immediately after disinfection

14 / 27

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of Ortho-Phthalaldehyde (OPA)?

Noxious odors

Unstable product life

Does not have a sterile label claim

Dilution of product reduces activity necessary for high-level disinfection

15 / 27

What is the Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC)?

The lowest concentration of a disinfectant at which it is still effective

The maximum concentration of a disinfectant before it becomes toxic

The minimum concentration of a disinfectant needed for sterilization

The concentration at which a disinfectant is most cost-effective

16 / 27

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of glutathione as a disinfectant?

Kills vegetative bacteria within two minutes

Tuberculocidal, fungicidal, and virucidal

Sporicidal with a soak time of six to ten hours

Stable with a long product life

17 / 27

How often should the concentration of glutaraldehyde in the solution be tested with test strips during its recommended reuse period?

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Only when the solution is initially activated

18 / 27

How does alkylation, a method used by glutaraldehyde, affect the cells of microorganisms?

It allows them to metabolize and reproduce normally

It makes them resistant to other disinfectants

It causes the cell to be unable to normally metabolize or reproduce, or both

It causes them to grow and multiply faster

19 / 27

Which of the following precautions should be taken when using glutaraldehyde?

Wearing nitrile or butyl gloves and face and eye protection

Working in a poorly ventilated area

Storing the solution in an open container

Rinsing items without following specific instructions

20 / 27

What is the main advantage of using glutaraldehyde as a high-level disinfectant?

It is non-corrosive

It is compatible with materials used in many modern medical devices

It is inexpensive

It has a pleasant odor

21 / 27

Which of the following is NOT a use for chlorine?

Disinfection of dialysis machines

Bleach for laundry

Sanitizer for dishwashing

Primary disinfectant for surgical instruments

22 / 27

What is the primary disadvantage of using chlorine as a disinfectant for metal instruments?

It's ineffective against microorganisms

It damages the finishes of metal instruments

It's too expensive

It's not readily available

23 / 27

What is the main reason why chlorine is not considered a disinfectant of choice for CS departments?

Its corrosive qualities

Its ineffectiveness against microorganisms

It's too expensive

It's not readily available

24 / 27

Which of the following disinfectants has a long history of use and was used by Dr. Joseph Lister to develop aseptic surgical techniques in the 1800s?

Quaternary ammonia compounds

Alcohols

Phenolics

Chlorines

25 / 27

According to the information provided, what is a disadvantage of using alcohol as a disinfectant?

It is not effective against any viruses

Maintaining wet contact for the required time can be difficult

It is highly corrosive to metal surfaces

It has no bactericidal properties

26 / 27

Which of the following disinfectants is a low-level disinfectant and has built-in detergent properties?

Quaternary ammonia compounds

Alcohols

Phenolics

Chlorines

27 / 27

Which disinfection level is adequate for semi-critical items?

Low level disinfection

Intermediate level disinfection

High level disinfection

Sterilization

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