CIS CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Storage and Distribution of Surgical Instruments Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the recommended maximum shelf life for sterile wrapped instrument sets stored in a closed cabinet under controlled conditions?

Accepted Answer

Event-related, not time-related

Answer

6 months

Answer

12 months

Answer

30 days

Question 2

Which environmental condition in the sterile storage area is most critical to preventing premature compromise of sterile packages?

Accepted Answer

Relative humidity

Answer

Lighting level

Answer

Flooring material

Answer

Ceiling height

Question 3

What is the AAMI-recommended temperature range for a sterile storage area?

Accepted Answer

65–75°F (18–24°C)

Answer

55–65°F (13–18°C)

Answer

75–85°F (24–29°C)

Answer

50–60°F (10–16°C)

Question 4

Why should sterile packages never be stored on the floor of a sterile storage room?

Accepted Answer

Floors are considered contaminated surfaces and packages could be damaged

Answer

Floor vibrations degrade sterilants

Answer

Regulations require eye-level storage

Answer

Instruments corrode faster when stored low

Question 5

What minimum distance from the floor should sterile items be stored according to standard sterile processing guidelines?

Accepted Answer

8–10 inches

Answer

2 inches

Answer

18 inches

Answer

24 inches

Question 6

Which system is used to ensure the oldest sterile instrument sets are used before newer ones in sterile storage?

Accepted Answer

FIFO (First In, First Out)

Answer

LIFO (Last In, First Out)

Answer

Random rotation

Answer

Date-coded color system only