CBIC CIC - CBIC Certified Infection Control Exam

Standard Precautions are sufficient for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), which means that gloves should be used when handling body fluids. CMV is primarily transmitted via direct contact with saliva, urine, or blood.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. Wear masks and gloves – Masks are not necessary unless performing high-risk aerosol-generating procedures.

C. No barrier precautions are needed – Gloves are required when handling bodily fluids to prevent transmission.

D. Use gowns, masks, gloves, and a private room – CMV does not require Contact or Airborne Precautions.

CBIC Infection Control Reference

APIC guidelines state that CMV transmission is prevented using Standard Precautions, primarily with glove use for body fluid contact​.

The correct answer is D, "staff education related to loaner instrument reprocessing has occurred," as this is the infection prevention process that should be ensured when a surgeon is beginning a new procedure requiring loaner instruments within the next two weeks. According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) guidelines, loaner instruments—those borrowed from external sources for temporary use—pose unique infection prevention challenges due to potential variability in reprocessing standards and unfamiliarity among staff. Ensuring that staff are educated on proper reprocessing protocols (e.g., cleaning, sterilization, and handling per manufacturer instructions and AAMI ST79) is critical to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain III: Infection Prevention and Control, Competency 3.3 - Ensure safe reprocessing of medical equipment). This education should cover the specific requirements for loaner instruments, including documentation and verification of sterilization, and should occur proactively before the instruments are used to ensure competency and compliance.

Option A (items arrive in time for immediate use steam sterilization) is a logistical consideration, but it does not address the infection prevention process itself; timely arrival is necessary but insufficient without proper reprocessing validation. Option B (instruments are able to be used prior to the biological indicator results) is unsafe, as biological indicators are essential to confirm sterilization efficacy, and using instruments before results are available violates infection control standards. Option C (the planning process takes place after the instruments have arrived) is impractical, as planning (e.g., coordinating with vendors, assessing reprocessing needs) must occur in advance to ensure readiness and safety, not as a reactive step.

The focus on staff education aligns with CBIC’s emphasis on preparing healthcare personnel to handle loaner instruments safely, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring patient safety (CBIC Practice Analysis, 2022, Domain IV: Education and Research, Competency 4.1 - Develop and implement educational programs). This proactive measure is supported by AAMI and CDC guidelines, which stress the importance of training for reprocessing complex or unfamiliar devices.