Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

How should reusable brushes be handled after use?

1. Discarded immediately

2. Cleaned and disinfected after each use

3. Rinsed with water only

4. Stored dry for future use

The correct answer is: Cleaned and disinfected after each use

Reusable brushes are critical tools in various medical and clinical settings for cleaning and reprocessing medical devices. After their use, it is essential that these brushes undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection process. This practice ensures that any bio-burden, such as blood, tissue, or contaminants, is effectively removed, which is vital to prevent cross-contamination and infection risks. Cleaning involves removing debris and organic material, while disinfection significantly reduces pathogenic microorganisms. Many reusable brushes may come into contact with sterile instruments or high-touch surfaces, which increases the potential risk of transmitting infections if they are not properly cleaned and disinfected after each use. Other options, such as discarding the brushes immediately or rinsing them with water only, fail to address the necessary thorough cleaning and disinfection required to ensure safety and compliance with health standards. Storing the brushes dry for future use without proper cleaning may also allow residual contaminants to remain, leading to risks if the brushes are used again without sufficient preparatory steps. Thus, cleaning and disinfecting after each use is the most appropriate and safe procedure.