Which term describes removing HD residue from surfaces?

Which term describes removing HD residue from surfaces?

• A. Clean
• B. Decontaminate
• C. Deactivate
• D. Disinfect

Answer: (B)

Removing HD residue from surfaces is decontamination. Decontamination means reducing or eliminating hazardous contamination on surfaces to a safe level so workers aren’t exposed. It goes beyond simply cleaning dirt, as it targets the hazardous drug residues themselves. It’s also distinct from disinfection, which aims to kill microorganisms and may not address chemical residues. Deactivate isn’t the usual term for residues on surfaces, even though some steps in decontamination could involve neutralizing contaminants; the standard term for removing drug residues is decontaminate.

Removing HD residue from surfaces is decontamination. Decontamination means reducing or eliminating hazardous contamination on surfaces to a safe level so workers aren’t exposed. It goes beyond simply cleaning dirt, as it targets the hazardous drug residues themselves. It’s also distinct from disinfection, which aims to kill microorganisms and may not address chemical residues. Deactivate isn’t the usual term for residues on surfaces, even though some steps in decontamination could involve neutralizing contaminants; the standard term for removing drug residues is decontaminate.