Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

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What is the key difference between cart washers and washer disinfectors?

  1. Cart washers are smaller and simpler

  2. Cart washers are similar but larger

  3. Washer disinfectors do not require cleaning

  4. Washer disinfectors are only for sterilization

The correct answer is: Cart washers are similar but larger

The key difference between cart washers and washer disinfectors lies in their design and functionality in the medical device reprocessing context. Cart washers are typically used for the cleaning and decontamination of transport carts and similar equipment, and they are generally more straightforward in terms of operation. They may not have the sophisticated systems or parameters employed by washer disinfectors, which are designed to provide a higher level of disinfection. Washer disinfectors incorporate more advanced features allowing them to achieve thermal disinfection through controlled washing protocols, which is crucial for effectively cleaning various types of medical instruments. They also have specifications to meet regulatory guidelines and are capable of maintaining certain validated wash cycles essential for infection control standards. While both types of equipment aim to support the cleanliness of medical devices and carts, washer disinfectors go a step further by adding a disinfection step with specific chemical or thermal processes, thus enhancing the level of safety for patient care. This distinction highlights that cart washers are simpler devices compared to washer disinfectors that are more complex and perform a broader range of cleansing functions.