Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

How should items be arranged in a washer disinfector for optimal cleaning?

1. Tightly packed to maximize space

2. Disassembled and open, with no more than 2 layers

3. Stacked in layers for better water flow

4. Placed in any configuration for convenience

The correct answer is: Disassembled and open, with no more than 2 layers

Arranging items in a washer disinfector in a disassembled and open manner, with no more than two layers, is crucial for optimal cleaning. This configuration promotes thorough cleaning by ensuring that all surfaces of the items are adequately exposed to the cleaning agents and disinfectant solutions used during the washing process. By keeping items disassembled, it allows for the removal of any soil or contaminants from intricate parts, which would be less effective if items were tightly packed or stacked. Limiting the number of layers to two is important because too many layers can obstruct the flow of water and cleaning solutions, resulting in inadequate exposure and cleaning of the underlying items. Proper arrangement not only maximizes the effectiveness of the disinfection cycle but also helps prevent damage to the items being cleaned. In contrast, tightly packing items could lead to limited access to all surfaces for cleaning agents. Stacking items in layers might create barriers for effective water and detergent circulation. Arranging items in any configuration for convenience would compromise the cleaning efficacy and may lead to unsatisfactory results, as it does not consider the essential principles of fluid dynamics in wash cycles. Therefore, the correct arrangement is vital for achieving the desired cleanliness and safety standards in medical device reprocessing.