CSPT CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Infection Control and Microbiology Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary source of microbial contamination in compounded sterile preparations?
- Personnel (Correct answer)
- Air particles
- Water supply
- Raw ingredients
Correct answer: Personnel
Personnel are the primary source of microbial contamination because skin, hair, and respiratory secretions shed microorganisms into the compounding environment.
Question 2: What percentage of particles ≥0.3 microns does a HEPA filter capture?
- 99.97% (Correct answer)
- 95%
- 99.5%
- 90%
Correct answer: 99.97%
HEPA filters are rated to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.
Question 3: Which disinfectant is most appropriate for routine surface disinfection in an ISO 5 critical zone?
- Sterile 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (Correct answer)
- Bleach solution
- Quaternary ammonium compound
- Hydrogen peroxide vapor
Correct answer: Sterile 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
Sterile 70% IPA is the standard disinfectant for critical surfaces in an ISO 5 environment because it evaporates cleanly and does not leave residue.
Question 4: Growth on a contact (settle) plate from environmental monitoring indicates:
- Microbial contamination was present on a surface (Correct answer)
- The HVAC system has failed
- A product sterility test failed
- The anteroom needs repainting
Correct answer: Microbial contamination was present on a surface
Contact plates detect surface bioburden; any growth indicates microbial contamination that must be investigated and remediated.
Question 5: Which class of microorganisms is most resistant to chemical disinfection?
- Bacterial endospores (Correct answer)
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Fungi
- Enveloped viruses
Correct answer: Bacterial endospores
Bacterial endospores (e.g., Clostridium and Bacillus species) form highly resistant dormant structures that require sporicidal agents or sterilization to destroy.
Question 6: For 70% isopropyl alcohol to achieve maximum disinfectant effectiveness, the treated surface should:
- Remain visibly wet and be allowed to air dry completely (Correct answer)
- Be wiped dry immediately after application
- Be rinsed with sterile water after 30 seconds
- Be left wet for exactly 10 minutes
Correct answer: Remain visibly wet and be allowed to air dry completely
IPA requires adequate wet contact time to disrupt microbial cell membranes; wiping dry immediately negates its disinfectant action.
CSPT CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Infection Control and Microbiology Questions and Answers 1
What is the primary source of microbial contamination in compounded sterile preparations?