California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

Which of the following is the best environmental infection control practice for clinical contact surfaces with irregular surfaces?

1. Regular cleaning only

2. Sterilization after every use

3. Covering surface with fluid impervious barriers

4. Using a high-level disinfectant

The correct answer is: Covering surface with fluid impervious barriers

Covering the surface with fluid impervious barriers is the best environmental infection control practice for clinical contact surfaces with irregular surfaces. This option ensures that the surface is protected from any spills, blood, or other potentially infectious materials. Regular cleaning may not completely remove all contaminants from the surface, while sterilization after every use may be time-consuming and costly. Using a high-level disinfectant may be appropriate for some surfaces, but it is not necessary for irregular surfaces that can be effectively covered with barriers. Therefore, the best option for environmental infection control on irregular surfaces is to use fluid impervious barriers.