CIS Storage and Distribution of Sterile Instruments 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of shelving is preferred in sterile storage areas to allow air circulation?
- Open wire or perforated shelving (Correct answer)
- Solid wooden shelving
- Closed metal cabinets
- Fabric-covered shelving units
Correct answer: Open wire or perforated shelving
Open wire or perforated shelving promotes air circulation around sterile packages and prevents moisture accumulation that could compromise packaging.
Question 2: How should sterile instruments be transported between the sterile processing department and the OR?
- In closed, covered carts or transport containers (Correct answer)
- On open trays carried by hand
- Wrapped in a clean linen sheet
- In the same cart used for soiled instrument transport
Correct answer: In closed, covered carts or transport containers
Sterile instruments must be transported in covered, closed carts or containers to protect packaging from environmental contamination during transit.
Question 3: Which label information is MOST important to verify before issuing a sterile instrument set?
- Load number, sterilizer number, date processed, and contents (Correct answer)
- The name of the technician who packed the set
- The color of the chemical indicator tape
- The weight of the set recorded at assembly
Correct answer: Load number, sterilizer number, date processed, and contents
The load number, sterilizer number, and processing date allow traceability so any recalled lots can be identified and any compromised sterilization runs can be addressed.
Question 4: A sterile package shows condensation inside the wrap after retrieval from storage. What does this indicate?
- Wet pack — the item is considered non-sterile and must be reprocessed (Correct answer)
- Normal moisture from temperature fluctuation — item remains sterile
- Over-sterilization — the item should be used with caution
- The chemical indicator inside activated, confirming sterilization
Correct answer: Wet pack — the item is considered non-sterile and must be reprocessed
Condensation inside a sterile package (wet pack) indicates moisture has penetrated the packaging barrier, compromising sterility and requiring reprocessing.
Question 5: What is the role of a case cart system in sterile instrument distribution?
- It organizes and delivers procedure-specific sterile instruments directly to the OR for each scheduled case (Correct answer)
- It stores all sterile instruments in one central location for self-service retrieval
- It replaces the need for individual package labeling
- It tracks which surgeon prefers which instruments
Correct answer: It organizes and delivers procedure-specific sterile instruments directly to the OR for each scheduled case
A case cart system pre-picks and delivers sterile instrument sets and supplies for each scheduled surgical procedure, reducing handling, improving efficiency, and maintaining sterility.
Question 6: Why are sterile storage areas maintained at a slightly higher air pressure than adjacent corridors?
- Positive pressure prevents contaminated air from flowing into the sterile area when doors open (Correct answer)
- Higher pressure extends the shelf life of sterilized items
- It is required to activate chemical indicators inside packages
- Positive pressure reduces static electricity on packaging materials
Correct answer: Positive pressure prevents contaminated air from flowing into the sterile area when doors open
Positive-pressure ventilation causes air to flow outward when doors open, preventing potentially contaminated corridor air from entering the clean sterile storage environment.
CIS Storage and Distribution of Sterile Instruments 2
What type of shelving is preferred in sterile storage areas to allow air circulation?