Aseptic Technique and Sterilization Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Surgical Technologist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aseptic Technique and Sterilization flashcards as text
During sterilizer load configuration, heavy instrument sets should be placed:
Answer: On the bottom shelf of the sterilizer
Heavy instrument sets belong on the bottom shelf to allow condensate to drain away and steam to penetrate properly without damaging lighter items.
What is the correct order for surgical gowning when using the closed-glove technique?
Answer: Gown first, keeping hands inside sleeves, then glove
In the closed-glove technique, the gown is donned first with hands kept inside the sleeves, and gloves are then applied without exposing bare hands.
Which agent is classified as a high-level disinfectant (HLD) and used for heat-sensitive semi-critical items?
Answer: Glutaraldehyde 2%
Glutaraldehyde 2% is a high-level disinfectant used for semi-critical items that cannot withstand heat sterilization.
The Bowie-Dick test is performed to verify that a sterilizer:
Answer: Is free of air pockets that impede steam penetration
The Bowie-Dick test specifically verifies that the pre-vacuum sterilizer adequately removes air, allowing uniform steam penetration.
When a scrub technologist needs to reposition at the sterile field, they should pass another sterile team member by:
Answer: Passing back-to-back
Sterile team members pass back-to-back or front-to-front (facing) to avoid contaminating each other's sterile fronts.
Which item is considered the MOST critical item requiring sterilization (per Spaulding Classification)?
Answer: Surgical instruments entering sterile tissue
Per the Spaulding Classification, critical items are those that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system and must be sterilized.
What is the recommended temperature range for storing sterile supplies to maintain package integrity?
Answer: 64–75°F (18–24°C)
Sterile supplies should be stored between 64–75°F (18–24°C) to prevent condensation and packaging degradation.