Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) requires what specific action regarding surgical instruments?

1. Use of sterilizable instruments

2. Use of disposable instruments

3. Delayed use of instruments

4. Regular cleaning of instruments

The correct answer is: Use of disposable instruments

Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can lead to severe brain damage. Prions are significantly more resistant to conventional sterilization methods than bacteria and viruses, making the handling of surgical instruments that may have been in contact with infected tissue particularly critical. Using disposable instruments is the most effective method for preventing transmission of CJD, as it eliminates the risk of prion contamination entirely. Once a disposable instrument is used, it can be safely discarded, thus preventing any potential prion exposure to both patients and healthcare personnel. This approach is essential because even rigorous sterilization techniques used for reprocessable instruments may not completely eliminate prions, leading to concerns about cross-contamination in clinical settings. The other considerations, such as using sterilizable instruments, delayed use, or regular cleaning, do not adequately address the inherent risks posed by prions. Prion contamination would not be effectively managed by sterilization methods alone, and merely cleaning or delaying the use of instruments still leaves open the chance for transmission. Therefore, opting for disposable instruments serves as the best preventative strategy in the context of CJD.