Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which level of disinfection is known to kill Tuberculosis (Tb)?

1. Low-level disinfection

2. Intermediate-level disinfection

3. High-level disinfection

4. Complete disinfection

The correct answer is: Intermediate-level disinfection

The answer is intermediate-level disinfection, which is known to effectively kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. This level of disinfection is essential in healthcare settings, particularly in dental practices, where the risk of transmission of infectious diseases is heightened. Intermediate-level disinfection typically involves the use of chemical agents that are effective against a range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The effectiveness against tuberculosis is critical because this bacterium is more resistant than many other organisms. Intermediate-level disinfectants thus play a vital role in infection control, ensuring that surfaces and instruments that may come into contact with patients are adequately decontaminated. Low-level disinfection, while useful for non-critical surfaces, does not have the potency to eliminate more resilient pathogens like tuberculosis. High-level disinfection is used for semi-critical items that require a higher efficacy to ensure they are safe for use. Complete disinfection refers generally to achieving sterility, which is not specifically a recognized category in disinfection standards but implies the absence of all microbial life. Thus, understanding the role of intermediate-level disinfection is crucial for ensuring safety and controlling infection in dental healthcare environments.