Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

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How does 'use life' differ from 'shelf life'?

  1. It measures storage conditions

  2. It refers to how long a disinfectant can be used before losing effectiveness

  3. It indicates the date of the production

  4. It applies to only liquid detergents

The correct answer is: It refers to how long a disinfectant can be used before losing effectiveness

The concept of 'use life' refers specifically to the period during which a disinfectant maintains its effectiveness after being opened and put into use. This means that as time passes and the product is exposed to air, light, or other factors, its potency can decrease, which is why knowing how long it is effective once it's been opened is essential for ensuring proper disinfection practices. In contrast, 'shelf life' pertains to how long a product can be stored unopened in its original container before it is expected to degrade or lose its effectiveness. This is important for understanding how long products remain usable prior to opening and ensures safe and effective use. The correct option accurately captures this distinction by focusing on the effective usage time of a disinfectant after it has been opened, which is crucial for maintaining infection control standards in medical settings. Understanding this difference is vital for anyone responsible for maintaining the integrity of sterilization and disinfection processes within healthcare environments.