Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

According to universal precautions, how should equipment that contacts intact skin be treated?

1. Must be cleaned with soap and water

2. Must be sterilized before every use

3. Should be disposed of after one use

4. Needs to be sterilized weekly

The correct answer is: Must be sterilized before every use

The correct approach for handling equipment that contacts intact skin aligns with the principles of universal precautions, which focus on preventing the transmission of infections. While items that come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes need to be sterilized to eliminate all forms of microbial life, equipment that only contacts intact skin typically requires cleaning and disinfection rather than full sterilization. Cleaning with soap and water is essential for removing organic material and contaminants, but it does not meet the criteria for sterilization. Similarly, regular weekly sterilization is excessive for items that interact with intact skin unless they have specific exposure to higher risk pathogens. Disposing of items after one use is more relevant for single-use items or equipment used in procedures involving non-intact skin. Thus, the best practice is to ensure that such equipment is properly cleaned and disinfected, following specific protocols established for the type of use and risk involved.