Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

What type of pressure is maintained in the decontamination area?

1. Positive pressure

2. Neutral pressure

3. Negative pressure

4. Atmospheric pressure

The correct answer is: Negative pressure

In the context of a decontamination area within a healthcare setting, maintaining negative pressure is critical for controlling the spread of contaminants and ensuring worker safety. Negative pressure means that the pressure inside the decontamination area is lower than the surrounding areas. This pressure differential helps to prevent any airborne contaminants, including pathogens or hazardous materials, from escaping the decontamination zone and entering other areas of the facility. This control measure is particularly important in the decontamination area where devices and equipment are processed after becoming contaminated. By using negative pressure, any potentially harmful aerosols or particles are contained within that specific environment, directing air flow inward and reducing the risk of contamination to outside areas where staff and patients may be present. Positive pressure, on the other hand, is used in clean rooms or controlled environments where it is essential to keep harmful external contaminants out. Neutral pressure does not provide the containment required in decontamination areas. Atmospheric pressure is a baseline reference for measurement but does not specifically address the containment needs of the decontamination process.