CRCST Equipment Maintenance 3

Question 1

What does 'loaner instrument' management require before the set is used in surgery?

Accepted Answer

Decontamination, inspection, and sterilization per facility protocol

Answer

Loaner instruments must be fully decontaminated, inspected, and sterilized by the receiving facility regardless of the vendor's claims.

Question 2

Which parameter is NOT monitored during a standard steam sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

pH of steam condensate

Answer

Steam sterilization cycles monitor temperature, time, and pressure; pH of steam condensate is not a standard cycle parameter.

Question 3

A technician notices a flexible endoscope has discoloration inside the insertion tube. What should be done?

Accepted Answer

Remove from service and notify biomedical engineering or the manufacturer

Answer

Internal discoloration may indicate damage or contamination that requires expert evaluation before the scope can be safely reprocessed and used.

Question 4

What is the recommended action when a sterilizer load fails a biological indicator (BI) test?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine all items from that load and investigate per protocol

Answer

A failed BI requires quarantine of all items from the load and a full investigation before any items can be released for use.

Question 5

Which of the following is a sign of instrument metal fatigue requiring removal from service?

Accepted Answer

Hairline cracks at the jaw or hinge area

Answer

Hairline cracks at stress points like jaws or hinges indicate metal fatigue and can cause instrument failure during surgery.

(CRCST) Certified Registered Central Service Technician Exam Practice Test