Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

Do newly purchased, non-sterile devices require inspection?

1. No, they do not require inspection

2. Yes, but not all need to be decontaminated

3. Only those that are visibly dirty need inspection

4. Yes, and all must be immediately sterilized

The correct answer is: Yes, but not all need to be decontaminated

Newly purchased, non-sterile devices require inspection to ensure that they are in good condition and free from defects before being put into use. This is an essential part of quality control and helps guarantee patient safety. While not all devices need to be decontaminated, inspection is still vital to assess their functionality, integrity, and compliance with safety standards. Some non-sterile devices may be adequately packaged and free from contamination upon receipt, allowing them to be used without further decontamination. However, other devices might still require cleaning or preparation regardless of their visible condition. Therefore, the emphasis on inspection allows for the determination of whether decontamination is necessary based on the specific characteristics and intended use of each device. Options indicating that no inspection is required do not align with best practices in medical device management, as rigorous checks are critical for patient safety. Furthermore, the assertion that all devices must be immediately sterilized is excessive because the need for sterilization depends on the specific device and its intended use.