Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlMedium
A medical assistant is performing a routine cleaning of clinical surfaces. Which of the following actions best demonstrates adherence to proper infection control principles?
- AUsing a single disinfectant wipe for multiple examination rooms
- BApplying disinfectant and immediately wiping it off
- CWiping surfaces with a dry cloth to remove dust
- DCleaning from the least soiled to the most soiled areas
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Cleaning from the least soiled to the most soiled areas
Cleaning from least soiled to most soiled areas prevents the spread of microorganisms from heavily contaminated areas to cleaner ones, which is a fundamental principle of infection control.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Using a single disinfectant wipe for multiple rooms can spread microorganisms from one room to another, defeating the purpose of disinfection.
- B. Disinfectants require a specific contact time (dwell time) to be effective; immediately wiping them off reduces their germicidal action.
- C. Wiping with a dry cloth only removes dust; it does not disinfect or kill microorganisms.
Principles of Environmental Cleaning
When cleaning clinical surfaces, always proceed from the least soiled (cleanest) to the most soiled (dirtiest) areas to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
- Prevents cross-contamination.
- Least to most soiled.
- Applies to disinfection too.
Memory trick: Cleanest First, Dirtiest Last, Don't Make it Fast.