CST Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization 3

Question 1

Which biological indicator organism is used to test the efficacy of steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Moisture penetrating a sterile wrapper, causing contamination

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Change the gown immediately

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Flexible endoscopes and heat-sensitive scopes

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Do not use it; return it for reprocessing

Answer

All sterile packages must be properly labeled including expiration or sterilization date; unlabeled packages should not be used and must be reprocessed.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization 3