MDRAO Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Exam Prep Resource

The rationale for not permitting portable fans or air conditioners in decontamination areas is rooted in maintaining a controlled and safe environment for the reprocessing of medical devices. Decontamination areas need to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that the air quality is consistently managed.

Using portable fans or air conditioning units can inadvertently spread pathogens or contaminants that may be present in the area, compromising the integrity of the reprocessing process. These units can potentially create airflow that disrupts the intended control measures in place, leading to cross-contamination of sterile and non-sterile items. Additionally, portable units could present a safety hazard, as they may not be designed to function in environments that deal with biological or hazardous materials.

By not allowing such devices, facilities can better ensure that they uphold stringent infection control standards and keep the areas designated for decontamination safe and effective for their intended purpose.