FREE HSPA Workflow and Quality Assurance Questions and Answers
What is the first step in the sterile processing workflow?
Decontamination is the initial step in the sterile processing workflow. Instruments must be cleaned of blood, tissue, and other contaminants to ensure effective sterilization later in the process.
Why is it important to organize instruments by type during the assembly process?
Organizing instruments by type ensures that surgical teams can quickly identify and use the correct instruments during procedures, reducing the risk of errors and delays.
What is the purpose of quality assurance checks in sterile processing?
Quality assurance checks are performed to verify that sterilization, cleaning, and handling processes meet safety standards, ensuring that instruments are ready for use without compromising patient care.
What should sterile processing technicians do if an instrument tray is incomplete during the assembly phase?
If a tray is incomplete, the issue must be documented, and the appropriate team should be informed to locate the missing instruments or provide replacements. Sending incomplete trays risks surgical delays.
What is the recommended method for storing sterilized instruments?
Sterilized instruments should be stored in a clean, closed cabinet or storage area to protect them from contamination and ensure they remain sterile until use.
