Storage and Distribution of Sterile Instruments Flashcards

What is the maximum recommended relative humidity for a sterile storage room?

Answer: 60%

AAMI ST79 guidelines specify that sterile storage relative humidity should not exceed 60% to prevent moisture absorption through packaging materials that could compromise sterility.

Which factor does NOT affect the shelf life of a sterilized package according to event-related sterility?

Answer: The date printed on the sterilization label

Under event-related sterility, the processing date alone does not determine when an item expires — only physical events that compromise the packaging integrity do.

What action should be taken if a sterile set is dropped on the floor during transport?

Answer: Consider it contaminated and return it for reprocessing

A dropped sterile package must be treated as contaminated and returned for reprocessing, as the impact may have compromised the seal or introduced contaminants.

How should single-use sterile instruments be handled after opening but before use?

Answer: Maintained on a sterile field and used immediately during the procedure

Once opened onto a sterile field, single-use instruments must be used during that procedure and cannot be resterilized, repackaged, or returned to storage.

What information must be verified on a preference card before pulling instruments for a surgical case?

Answer: Surgeon name, procedure, instrument sets required, and any special requests

Surgeon preference cards guide the specific instrument sets, special equipment, and supplies needed for each procedure, ensuring completeness before delivery to the OR.

Which is the correct way to store a paper-plastic peel pouch in sterile storage?

Answer: Paper side down on a flat surface or standing upright in a pouch organizer

Peel pouches should be stored paper-side down or upright in organizers to protect the paper barrier from abrasion and prevent seal stress from stacking weight.