Cough Reflex Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The appropriate process used to disinfect non-disposable equipment contaminated with bodily fluids is high-level disinfection. This method is effective in killing a large number of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, on surfaces and instruments that cannot be sterilized using traditional autoclaving techniques.

High-level disinfection typically involves using certain chemical agents like glutaraldehyde or ortho-phthalaldehyde at recommended concentrations and exposure times, ensuring the equipment is safe for use again without the risk of transmitting infections. This process is crucial in medical settings where equipment needs thorough cleaning due to potential exposure to pathogens.

Pasteurization, on the other hand, is a heat process primarily used for liquid products and is not suited for disinfecting solid instruments or non-disposable equipment. Chemical sterilization encompasses a more comprehensive approach aimed at completely eradicating all microorganisms, including spores, which may not be feasible for all non-disposable equipment depending on the material. Rinsing with water merely removes residual contaminants but does not effectively disinfect or kill pathogens, leaving equipment at risk for infection transmission.