Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The role of cleaning brushes in the reprocessing of medical devices is crucial for ensuring effective cleaning, particularly for lumens, which are narrow internal spaces within devices such as endoscopes and intravenous catheters. Brushes are specifically designed to reach into these narrow passages, where debris, biological contaminants, and other residues can accumulate and are difficult to remove with just washing or soaking.

Using brushes allows for mechanical action, which is essential in dislodging and removing contaminants. This is especially important because improper cleaning can compromise the sterility of the device and potentially lead to patient infections. While other tools and methods can assist in the cleaning process, brushes are uniquely suited for accessing and cleaning lumens, making them an essential component of standard infection control practices in the reprocessing of medical devices.

In this context, polishing, replacing detergents, or enhancing drying processes does not align with the specific function of brushes. These tasks are typically handled by other instruments or methods.