Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

Which of the following factors affects the effectiveness of a cleaning agent?

1. Only the cost of the agent

2. Type and amount of soil

3. Availability of supplies

4. Brand of cleaning agent only

The correct answer is: Type and amount of soil

The effectiveness of a cleaning agent is significantly influenced by the type and amount of soil present. Different types of soil, which can include organic matter, inorganic deposits, bioburden, and various residues, require specific chemical interactions to be effectively cleaned. For instance, certain cleaning agents are formulated to break down proteins, while others may be more effective against lipid-based residues. Additionally, the amount of soil affects how well a cleaning agent can perform its function. If the soil load is too high, it can overwhelm the cleaning agent's capacity, leading to inadequate cleaning. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential to ensure proper cleaning protocols in medical device reprocessing, as any residual soil can compromise the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization processes.