CRCST Evaluation Summary 3

Question 1

A CS technician is reviewing a sterilization record and notices the cycle was aborted midway due to a door seal failure. What is the appropriate evaluation outcome for this load?

Accepted Answer

Reject the load because the cycle was not completed as validated

Answer

An aborted cycle is not a complete, validated sterilization process; all items in the load must be reprocessed.

Question 2

When reviewing an EO (ethylene oxide) sterilization cycle printout, which critical parameter must be within validated ranges to evaluate the cycle as successful?

Accepted Answer

Gas concentration, temperature, humidity, and exposure time

Answer

EO sterilization requires gas concentration, temperature, relative humidity, and exposure time all within validated ranges for a successful cycle.

Question 3

A sterile package is found with a torn outer wrap during distribution. Which is the correct evaluation and action?

Accepted Answer

Consider the item non-sterile and remove it from service for reprocessing

Answer

Any breach in packaging compromises the sterile barrier; the item must be considered non-sterile and returned for reprocessing regardless of inner wrap condition.

Question 4

What is the significance of a 'wet pack' discovered after a steam sterilization cycle during post-cycle evaluation?

Accepted Answer

It indicates a sterilization failure and items must be reprocessed

Answer

Wet packs are considered sterilization failures because moisture can support microbial growth and compromise the sterile barrier.

Question 5

During evaluation of a hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization cycle, the cycle aborts in the diffusion phase. What should the CS technician do?

Accepted Answer

Re-run the cycle from the beginning after investigating the abort cause

Answer

A cycle abort during any phase means the full validated cycle was not completed; items must be reprocessed after investigating the cause of the abort.

(CRCST) Certified Registered Central Service Technician Exam Practice Test

(CRCST) Certified Registered Central Service Technician Exam Practice Test

CRCST Evaluation Summary 3