Covid face shield is sterilized by?

NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Hard

Appeared in: NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Sodium hypochlorite is a chlorine-releasing compound that acts as a broad-spectrum, low-to-intermediate level disinfectant.
It is recommended by health authorities for disinfecting non-critical surfaces and reusable PPE like face shields due to its effectiveness against viruses, low cost, and rapid action.
A 0.1% solution (1000 ppm) is typically sufficient for disinfecting items like face shields after cleaning with soap and water.
The term 'sterilized' in the question is used loosely; for a non-critical item like a face shield, disinfection is the appropriate and required level of decontamination.

Option B: While hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant, it is generally used for specific applications like surface or room decontamination (sometimes as a vapor). Sodium hypochlorite is more commonly recommended and used for routine disinfection of PPE.
Option C: Cidex (which contains glutaraldehyde) is a high-level disinfectant and chemical sterilant. It is too potent, toxic, and corrosive for a plastic face shield and poses a risk of chemical exposure to the user.
Option D: Formalin is a solution containing formaldehyde, a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical. It is used as a sterilant and preservative but is not safe for disinfecting personal protective equipment due to its high toxicity and irritant fumes.

Visual 1: Infographic: Spaulding's Classification (Critical, Semi-critical, Non-critical items) with examples of items and the required level of decontamination for each.
Visual 2: Chart: Comparing common disinfectants (Sodium Hypochlorite, H2O2, Glutaraldehyde, Alcohol) based on their spectrum of activity, level, advantages, and disadvantages.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Disinfection and sterilization methods for personal protective equipment (PPE) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper disinfection of reusable PPE is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent cross-contamination between patients and protect healthcare workers.
Nurses must educate other staff and patients on the correct procedure: first clean the face shield with soap and water to remove organic matter, then apply the disinfectant (like 0.1% sodium hypochlorite) for the recommended contact time, and finally rinse and air dry.
Using an incorrect disinfectant (like Cidex) can damage the equipment and cause chemical burns or respiratory irritation to the wearer.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the item in question: a 'Covid face shield'.
Next, classify the item based on its use. A face shield contacts intact skin, making it a 'non-critical' item according to Spaulding's classification.
Recall or determine the required level of decontamination for a non-critical item. This is low-level disinfection.
Evaluate the given options. The question asks for a 'sterilant', but for a non-critical item, a disinfectant is appropriate. This suggests a potential ambiguity in the question's wording.
Analyze each option: Sodium hypochlorite is a common disinfectant. H2O2 is also a disinfectant. Cidex and Formalin are high-level disinfectants/sterilants, which are too harsh and toxic for this purpose.
Select the most appropriate, safe, and commonly recommended agent for disinfecting a non-critical item like a face shield, which is Sodium Hypochlorite.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Disinfection and sterilization methods for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Stem keywords: Covid face shield, sterilized
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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