DecontaminationQuestion 16 of 100
A department is writing its quality plan and must set a frequency for cleaning verification testing of its mechanical washers. What should the plan specify?
a.Only when a visible soil complaint is reported by the operating room
b.Once per quarter, at the same time as preventive maintenance
c.Once per month, at the start of the month
d.At least weekly, and preferably each day the washer is used
Explanation
Routine cleaning verification with a commercial soil test device confirms the washer is still removing soil, and the recommendation is at least weekly with daily testing preferred. Waiting for a complaint is reactive and allows contaminated devices to reach patients. Quarterly and monthly intervals are too infrequent to catch a spray arm blockage, pump failure, or chemical delivery problem in time.
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