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Infection Control · single question

What is the correct approach to disinfecting a digital sensor after treating a patient with HIV?

  1. Single barrier plus the double-swipe (wipe–discard–wipe) technique
  2. Immersion in glutaraldehyde for 10 hours
  3. Standard low-level surface wipe only
  4. Autoclave sterilisation at 121°C
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Correct answer: A. Single barrier plus the double-swipe (wipe–discard–wipe) technique

  • A. Correct. Barrier protection plus wipe–discard–wipe with an intermediate/high-level disinfectant is the standard for this semi-critical, heat-sensitive device. No special protocol is required for HIV — standard precautions apply to every patient.
  • B. Incorrect. Prolonged glutaraldehyde immersion would damage the sensor and is impractical between patients.
  • C. Incorrect. A single low-level wipe is insufficient for a semi-critical mucosa-contacting device.
  • D. Incorrect. Digital sensors are destroyed by heat sterilisation.

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