CSSD Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycle, such as a prevacuum cycle, consists of three main phases. What is the correct sequence of these phases? → Conditioning, Exposure, Drying
2. Hygrometer is an equipment: → To measure the humidity level
3. Which federal agency regulates the registration and use of sterilants and high-level disinfectants as pesticides in US healthcare? → EPA
4. What is the full form of SAL? → Sterility Assurance Level
5. According to the event-related policy, how many years can you store a sterile item in the sterile storage cabinet? → 3 years
6. PH of Acidic solution should be: → 1-5
7. Which sterilization method involves using high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms? → Autoclave sterilization
8. Which regulatory body publishes guidelines that support instrument tracking practices and event-related sterility in US healthcare facilities? → Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
9. What is the easiest method of sterilization? → Steam sterilization
10. Which of the following describes the correct storage practice for a reprocessed flexible endoscope according to AAMI ST91? → Hung vertically in a designated, clean, and well-ventilated cabinet.
11. A CSSD is preparing to package a delicate, sharp instrument in a peel pouch for steam sterilization. Which of the following is a critical step in this process? → Using a foam insert or tip protector to prevent the instrument from puncturing the pouch.
12. What is the recommended practice when a sterilized instrument set is found with a broken seal or torn wrapper? → Consider the set non-sterile, return it to decontamination, and reprocess it
13. What information must be included on a package label according to AAMI ST79 labeling requirements? → Lot control number, sterilizer number, load number, and expiration date or cycle date
14. What is the FIRST action CSSD staff should take before reprocessing loaner instruments? → Review and follow the manufacturer's IFU
15. The sterilant in an Ozone (O3) sterilization system is created from which commonly available utilities? → Oxygen, water, and electricity
16. What information is typically encoded in an instrument tray's barcode label to support lot control? → Sterilizer load number, date, and cycle parameters
17. What is the purpose of applying an external chemical indicator (CI) to the outside of a sterile package? → To show that the package was exposed to the sterilization process
18. An example of a sterilant is: → All of the above
19. What is OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) primarily designed to protect CSSD workers from? → Exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
20. In steam sterilization terminology, what does the D-value represent? → The time required to reduce the microbial population by 90% at a specific temperature.
21. What is the primary purpose of maintaining a 'loaner log' in the CSSD? → To track receipt, processing, sterilization, and return of loaner instruments
22. What does the FDA 510(k) clearance process require for reprocessed single-use devices (SUDs)? → Demonstrated equivalence to the original device in safety and effectiveness
23. After a flexible endoscope undergoes high-level disinfection, what is the required quality for the water used in the final rinse steps? → Sterile or bacteria-free water.
24. Which of the following components is NOT typically part of a Bookwalter retractor system? → A handheld, single-piece frame
25. The process of cavitation, which uses microscopic bubbles imploding to dislodge soil from instrument surfaces, is characteristic of which cleaning method? → Ultrasonic Cleaner
26. What is a 'count sheet' used for in CSSD instrument set management? → Listing every instrument in a tray to verify completeness before and after use
27. What is a 'tray audit' in the context of loaner instrument management? → Verification that all items on the inventory sheet are present in the set
28. When managing sterile storage, which of the following practices is essential for maintaining the sterility and integrity of supplies? → Limiting access to the sterile storage area to authorized personnel only.
29. Which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines address disinfection and sterilization practices in healthcare settings? → CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities
30. Before accepting a loaner set from a vendor, which verification step is most critical? → Confirming the set arrived with complete documentation including IFU and inventory list