CBSPD Point-of-Use Treatment and Transportation of Surgical Instruments 3

Question 1

What does 'loaner instrument' or 'vendor tray' management require before use in surgery?

Accepted Answer

Loaner instruments must be inspected, decontaminated, and sterilized by the facility SPD before use regardless of vendor claims

Answer

Vendor trays can be used directly from the manufacturer's packaging

Answer

Only new loaner trays require processing; previously used ones do not

Answer

Vendor trays are automatically sterile if received in intact packaging

Question 2

What is the recommended advance notice facilities should require from vendors for loaner instrument delivery?

Accepted Answer

At least 24 hours before the scheduled procedure to allow adequate processing time

Answer

Same-day delivery is acceptable

Answer

72 hours before the procedure

Answer

One week in advance

Question 3

Which action should be taken if soiled instruments arrive in SPD without proper biohazard labeling?

Accepted Answer

Refuse acceptance until proper labeling is applied, and report the violation per facility policy

Answer

Accept them and apply the label retroactively

Answer

Process them immediately since the content is known

Answer

Return them to the OR without processing

Question 4

When transporting instruments between facilities (e.g., off-site SPD services), which regulation primarily governs the transport of biohazardous materials?

Accepted Answer

DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations for biohazardous/infectious substance transport

Answer

Joint Commission standards only

Answer

FDA medical device regulations

Answer

EPA hazardous waste regulations

Question 5

What is the purpose of an instrument tracking system in sterile processing?

Accepted Answer

To link sterilization records to specific patient cases for traceability and recall capability

Answer

To schedule staff breaks and overtime

Answer

To measure instrument cleaning chemical usage

Answer

To generate billing codes for reprocessing services

Question 6

How should instruments with implant-related items (e.g., orthopedic implants) be handled regarding documentation after sterilization?

Accepted Answer

A sterilization record including biological indicator results must be retained permanently and quarantine policy followed until BI results are confirmed

Answer

No special documentation is required beyond the standard sterilization record

Answer

Implants can be released for use as soon as the physical indicator changes color

Answer

Documentation is the surgeon's responsibility, not SPD's