Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

How many times should lumens be flushed for effective rinsing?

1. 1 time, with the same volume of water

2. 2 times, with double the volume of water

3. 3 times, with 3 times the volume of the lumen

4. 4 times, with a quarter of the volume of water

The correct answer is: 3 times, with 3 times the volume of the lumen

Flushing lumens is a critical step in the reprocessing of medical devices to ensure that debris and contaminants are effectively removed. Flushing three times with three times the volume of the lumen is recommended because it provides thorough rinsing and helps to ensure that all residues, including detergent or cleaning agents used during the reprocessing, are completely eliminated. This multiple flushing approach enhances the effectiveness of the rinsing process, as it allows for any residual substances to be displaced and washed away, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring patient safety. Using a single flush with the same volume of water or flushing only twice with double the volume may not adequately remove all contaminants, leaving some potentially harmful residues behind. Additionally, flushing four times with a quarter of the volume of water would be inefficient, as it does not provide enough volume for effective rinsing, possibly allowing some contaminants to remain within the lumen. Thus, the recommended practice of flushing three times with three times the lumen volume strikes the right balance between efficacy and efficiency, ensuring devices are properly prepared for safe use.