Surveillance & Epidemiology
What is the primary purpose of an infection surveillance system?
To identify, track, and prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Which type of microorganism is responsible for tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (a bacterium).
What are the three main components of Standard Precautions?
Hand hygiene, PPE use, and respiratory hygiene.
What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?
Sterilization destroys all microbial life, while disinfection reduces microbes to a safe level.
Which U.S. agency sets infection prevention guidelines for hospitals?
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Define the term 'incidence rate' in epidemiology.
The number of new cases of a disease in a population over a specific time period.
What is the most common bacterial cause of healthcare-associated infections?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus, depending on infection type.
When should alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) NOT be used?
When hands are visibly soiled or after contact with C. difficile spores.
What is the most common disinfectant used in healthcare settings?
Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats) or bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
What does OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require employers to do?
Provide PPE, hepatitis B vaccinations, and training to employees exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
What is the standard threshold for reporting a cluster of infections in a healthcare setting?
An increase above the expected baseline for a given population and time frame.
Name one multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) commonly found in hospitals.
Examples: MRSA, VRE, CRE, or Acinetobacter baumannii.
What is the minimum air exchange rate required for an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR)?
At least 12 air exchanges per hour (ACH).
What is the required contact time for 1:10 bleach solution used for C. difficile spores?
At least 10 minutes.
Which regulatory body enforces infection control standards in long-term care facilities?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
In an outbreak investigation, what is the first step after confirming cases?
Develop a case definition and begin case-finding.
What is the primary mode of transmission for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?
Fecal-oral route via spores contaminating surfaces.
What PPE is required for caring for a patient on contact precautions?
Gloves and gown (at minimum).
What is the correct way to disinfect reusable medical equipment?
Follow manufacturer instructions and use an EPA-registered disinfectant with the correct kill time.
What infection control program is required in all hospitals by The Joint Commission (TJC)?
A hospital-wide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program.
What is the difference between active and passive surveillance?
Active surveillance involves proactively collecting data, while passive relies on routine reporting from healthcare staff.
Which biosafety level (BSL) is required for handling airborne pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
BSL-3 (high-containment laboratory).
What is the correct order for donning PPE?
1. Gown,
2. Mask/Respirator,
3. Goggles/Face shield,
4. Gloves.
What is the best method for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical instruments?
Low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma or ethylene oxide gas (EtO).
What is the role of an Infection Prevention Risk Assessment (IPRA)?
To identify facility-specific risks and guide IPC strategies.