Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

According to CSA Z314, what is one of the four levels of surgical barriers?

1. Aerosol repellant

2. Liquid barrier

3. Gas barrier

4. Temperature control barrier

The correct answer is: Liquid barrier

The correct answer is based on the terminology and classifications outlined in Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z314, which provides guidance on the management of medical devices including their reprocessing. The CSA Z314 categorizes the barriers used in surgical settings to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of procedures. One of the recognized levels of surgical barriers is the "aerosol repellant," which is designed to protect against aerosols that can be generated during surgical procedures. This type of barrier is particularly significant in preventing the transmission of pathogens through airborne particles, especially in procedures that involve high-speed instruments or chemicals that may create aerosols. When considering the other options, while liquid barriers are indeed crucial in surgical environments, they refer more broadly to materials that prevent fluid passage rather than specifically addressing aerosols. Similarly, gas barriers and temperature control barriers do have their roles but do not fall under the categories specifically detailed in CSA Z314 with regard to surgical barriers for protecting against contamination in the context of aerosols. Thus, the focus on aerosol repellant aligns precisely with the intention of preventing infection and maintaining sterile conditions in surgical settings.