CRCST Packaging 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ANSI/AAMI ST79, which class of chemical indicator is considered the most sophisticated internal indicator for steam sterilization?
- Class 1
- Class 3
- Class 5
- Class 6 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class 6
Class 6 emulating indicators are cycle-specific and react to all critical sterilization parameters, making them the most sophisticated internal indicator.
Question 2: Which of the following is a contraindication for using a paper/plastic peel pouch?
- Items weighing less than 500 grams
- Sharp or pointed instruments that could puncture the packaging (Correct answer)
- Items sterilized by steam
- Instruments with multiple components
Correct answer: Sharp or pointed instruments that could puncture the packaging
Sharp or pointed instruments can puncture peel pouches, compromising the sterile barrier and requiring rigid or puncture-resistant packaging instead.
Question 3: How should rigid sterilization container filters be inspected before use?
- Only visually inspected for color change
- Checked for holes, tears, or contamination and replaced if compromised (Correct answer)
- Tested with a biological indicator before each use
- Soaked in disinfectant solution for 10 minutes
Correct answer: Checked for holes, tears, or contamination and replaced if compromised
Container filters must be visually inspected for physical damage such as holes or tears and replaced if any defects are found to maintain sterile barrier integrity.
Question 4: What information must be included on the external label of a sterilized package?
- Patient name and room number
- Contents, sterilization date, lot number, and technician ID (Correct answer)
- Insurance information and billing code
- Sterilizer brand and model number only
Correct answer: Contents, sterilization date, lot number, and technician ID
Labels must include contents, sterilization date or load number, lot/load control number, and technician identifier for traceability.
Question 5: Which type of packaging is required for ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization to allow adequate gas penetration and aeration?
- Impermeable aluminum foil pouches
- Permeable materials such as paper/plastic pouches or nonwoven wraps (Correct answer)
- Sealed polypropylene bags
- Glass containers with rubber stoppers
Correct answer: Permeable materials such as paper/plastic pouches or nonwoven wraps
EO sterilization requires permeable packaging materials to allow gas penetration during sterilization and aeration of residuals afterward.
Question 6: When wrapping instruments using the envelope (diagonal) fold technique, which part of the wrap forms the final closure flap?
- The left side fold
- The right side fold
- The first fold (bottom point)
- The last fold (top point) tucked under (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The last fold (top point) tucked under
In envelope wrapping, the top point is the final fold and is tucked under to secure the package, forming the closure flap that is pulled first during opening.
Question 7: What is the primary reason sterile packages should not be stored on the floor?
- Floor storage violates color-coding protocols
- Floors introduce compression damage and microbial contamination risks (Correct answer)
- OSHA requires all medical supplies to be stored at waist height
- Floor storage causes chemical indicator color changes
Correct answer: Floors introduce compression damage and microbial contamination risks
Floor storage exposes packages to compression damage, moisture, and microbial contamination from foot traffic and cleaning activities.
CRCST Packaging 3
According to ANSI/AAMI ST79, which class of chemical indicator is considered the most sophisticated internal indicator for steam sterilization?