How an ultrasonic cleaner works
CRCST practice question · Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
How does an ultrasonic cleaner remove soil from instruments?
- A. High-frequency sound waves create tiny bubbles that implode (cavitation) and dislodge soil from crevices
- B. High-temperature steam is forced through the instruments to loosen and melt soil
- C. Rotating spray arms direct high-pressure jets of detergent onto the instruments
- D. Ultraviolet light breaks down protein soil on the surface of the instruments
Answer
A. High-frequency sound waves create tiny bubbles that implode (cavitation) and dislodge soil from crevices
Ultrasonic cleaners use sound energy to cause cavitation, the formation and collapse of tiny bubbles, which removes fine soil from hard-to-reach areas such as serrations and hinges. Spray arms describe a washer-disinfector. Ultrasonic cleaning is a cleaning step, not a disinfection or sterilization step.
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