CMDRT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMDRT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Why must the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of high-level disinfectant be tested before each use? → To ensure the disinfectant is still potent enough to achieve high-level disinfection
2. Which cleaning method uses high-frequency sound waves to remove soil from instruments? → Ultrasonic cleaner
3. Loose fitting clothing and Jewelry should NOT be worn in SPD because it can → Can get caught in moving equipment
4. Why should instruments NOT be soaked in saline solution at the point of use? → Saline is corrosive to stainless steel instruments and can cause pitting and rust
5. When manually cleaning reusable medical devices, what is the primary reason for using a neutral pH detergent? → To prevent corrosion and damage to the instruments
6. What is high-level disinfection (HLD) in the context of flexible endoscope reprocessing? → A process that eliminates all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores
7. What is the primary responsibility of the vendor or manufacturer representative when delivering loaner instrumentation to a facility? → To provide complete and accurate IFUs and assembly documentation
8. What is the purpose of performing a protein residual test on cleaned instruments? → To verify that cleaning has adequately removed organic soil from instrument surfaces
9. Which of the following is an ethical responsibility of an individual working in Central Processing Department? → Maintaining patient confidentiality
10. Generally, the first step in removing blood contamination from the cannels of an instrument is to soak it in → An enzymatic detergent
11. Why is it essential to flush all channels of a flexible endoscope with alcohol before storage? → To facilitate drying and prevent moisture-related microbial growth during storage
12. What is the primary reason for ensuring there is adequate space (e.g., a 1-inch border) around an item inside a peel pouch? → To facilitate adequate air removal, sterilant penetration, and drying.
13. How frequently must a biological indicator (BI) test be performed when sterilizing loads that contain implantable devices? → With every load that contains implantable devices
14. What documentation should accompany loaner instrumentation upon delivery to the sterile processing department? → Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU), count sheets, and assembly instructions
15. In the U.S., which standard provides guidance on the validation and routine control of moist heat (steam) sterilization for healthcare facilities? → ANSI/AAMI ST79
16. The pH detergent solution that has been demonstrated to be the safest for cleaning surgical instrument is → Neutral
17. In the chain of infection, what role does a contaminated surgical instrument play? → Mode of transmission.
18. All of the following items of personal protective equipment should be worn when manually decontaminating flexible fiber-optic endoscopes EXCEPT → A lead apron
19. Why is it important to keep contaminated instruments moist during transport to the reprocessing area? → To prevent organic soil from drying and becoming harder to remove
20. Which of the following is the most critical factor for achieving sterility in an autoclave, often referred to as the 'sterilant'? → Saturated steam
21. A newly purchased robotic surgical instrument arrives at the sterile processing department. What is the first step before reprocessing it? → Obtain and review the manufacturer's IFUs to determine the validated reprocessing method
22. Which of the following agencies would approve the disinfectant used on floors and walls in the Sterile Processing and Distribution Department? → Environmental Protection Agency
23. Who bears primary responsibility for ensuring contaminated instruments receive point-of-use treatment before transport to the SPD? → The perioperative team (OR staff) at the point where instruments are used
24. The effectiveness of any chemical disinfection process depends on all the following EXCEPT? → Cost of the chemical
25. What are the occupational health risks associated with glutaraldehyde exposure during high-level disinfection? → Respiratory sensitization, skin dermatitis, eye irritation, and asthma-like symptoms
26. What biological indicator is used to monitor ethylene oxide sterilization cycles? → Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly B. subtilis var. niger)
27. Which of the following solutions is generally considered MOST appropriate for high-level disinfection of instruments? → 2% activated glutaraldehyde
28. Which organization publishes standards such as ANSI/AAMI ST79 that guide sterile processing practices in the U.S.? → Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
29. A technician is packaging a single, lightweight hemostat for steam sterilization. Which of the following is the most appropriate packaging method? → A paper-plastic peel pouch.
30. Which U.S. regulatory body is responsible for classifying and overseeing medical devices used in healthcare facilities? → FDA