AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

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Study for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Low level disinfectants kill most microbes, but do not destroy:

Bacteria
Viruses
Spores
Fungi

The correct answer is: Spores

Low-level disinfectants are specifically designed to eliminate a majority of pathogens, including many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but they are not effective against spores. Spores, which are a type of dormant form produced by certain bacteria (such as Clostridium and Bacillus species), are highly resistant to environmental stresses and many types of disinfectants. This resilience means that while low-level disinfectants can adequately reduce the microbial load and are useful for cleaning surfaces that do not require a high level of sterility, they fall short of destroying spores. For situations where spores are a concern, higher-level disinfectants or sterilization methods must be employed to ensure complete microbial control.