CST Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which biological indicator organism is used to test the efficacy of steam sterilization?
- Bacillus subtilis
- Geobacillus stearothermophilus (Correct answer)
- Clostridium difficile
- Staphylococcus aureus
Correct answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to moist heat and are the standard BI for steam sterilization.
Question 2: The term 'strike-through' in sterile packaging refers to:
- A chemical indicator changing color
- Moisture penetrating a sterile wrapper, causing contamination (Correct answer)
- Tearing of the inner pouch during opening
- Instruments striking each other during transport
Correct answer: Moisture penetrating a sterile wrapper, causing contamination
Strike-through occurs when moisture wicks through a sterile wrapper, creating a pathway for microorganism contamination.
Question 3: How should a sterile team member respond if their gown becomes wet during a procedure?
- Continue the procedure since the gown was originally sterile
- Cover the wet area with a sterile towel
- Change the gown immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply sterile drapes over the area and continue
Correct answer: Change the gown immediately
A wet sterile gown is considered contaminated because moisture enables strike-through of microorganisms; the gown must be changed.
Question 4: Peracetic acid sterilization is most commonly used for which type of instruments?
- Power drills and orthopedic saws
- Flexible endoscopes and heat-sensitive scopes (Correct answer)
- Wrapped instrument trays
- Implantable prosthetics
Correct answer: Flexible endoscopes and heat-sensitive scopes
Peracetic acid (e.g., STERIS system) is used for immediate-use sterilization of heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes.
Question 5: A sterile package stored in a sterile storage area has no expiration date label. What should the surgical technologist do?
- Use it if it has been stored less than six months
- Use it since unlabeled packages are not restricted
- Do not use it; return it for reprocessing (Correct answer)
- Use it only if the chemical indicator changed color
Correct answer: Do not use it; return it for reprocessing
All sterile packages must be properly labeled including expiration or sterilization date; unlabeled packages should not be used and must be reprocessed.
Question 6: What does the term 'event-related sterility' mean?
- Sterility is guaranteed for exactly one year from sterilization
- A package remains sterile until an event (e.g., damage, moisture) compromises the packaging (Correct answer)
- Sterility depends solely on the type of sterilizer used
- Items are only sterile during the scheduled surgical event
Correct answer: A package remains sterile until an event (e.g., damage, moisture) compromises the packaging
Event-related sterility means a package is considered sterile indefinitely as long as the packaging remains intact and uncompromised.
Question 7: Which personal protective equipment is required when handling items being prepared for EtO sterilization?
- Standard exam gloves and face mask
- Gloves, gown, and eye protection due to EtO toxicity (Correct answer)
- Sterile gloves only
- No PPE needed if the EtO chamber is sealed
Correct answer: Gloves, gown, and eye protection due to EtO toxicity
EtO is a toxic, carcinogenic gas; handlers must wear gloves, gown, and eye protection to prevent exposure.
CST Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization 3
Which biological indicator organism is used to test the efficacy of steam sterilization?