HSPA - Healthcare Sterile Processing Association Sterilization Methods and Monitoring Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Class 5 chemical indicator is used to monitor a steam sterilization cycle.
After the cycle, the technician observes that the indicator has not reached the 'accept' window.
What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine the load, investigate the cause of the failure, and reprocess the items.

Answer

Document the results and release the load for use.

Answer

Rerun the same load in a different sterilizer immediately.

Answer

Extend the aeration time and then release the load.

Question 2

Which of the following sterilization methods is most appropriate for a heat-sensitive, moisture-sensitive flexible endoscope?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene Oxide (EtO) gas

Answer

Steam autoclave

Answer

Dry heat sterilization

Answer

Peracetic acid liquid immersion

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of aeration following an Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

To remove residual toxic gas from the sterilized items.

Answer

To cool the instruments down to room temperature.

Answer

To add a protective coating to the instruments.

Answer

To complete the microbial killing phase of the cycle.

Question 4

A sterile processing technician is preparing to run a routine biological indicator (BI) test in a steam sterilizer. According to HSPA standards, what is the recommended frequency for this test?

Accepted Answer

At least weekly, but preferably every day the sterilizer is in use

Answer

Once per month

Answer

Only when a new type of instrument is introduced

Answer

After every three consecutive successful cycles

Question 5

The biological indicator for steam sterilization contains which type of microorganism?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Clostridium difficile

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 6

During the monitoring of a steam sterilizer, which of the following provides direct evidence of the lethality of the process by killing highly resistant microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Biological indicator (BI)

Answer

External chemical indicator tape

Answer

Class 5 integrating chemical indicator

Answer

Bowie-Dick test

A Class 5 chemical indicator is used to monitor a steam sterilization cycle.After the cycle, the technician observes that the indicator has not reached the 'accept' window.What is the most appropriate next step?

A Class 5 chemical indicator is used to monitor a steam sterilization cycle.
After the cycle, the technician observes that the indicator has not reached the 'accept' window.
What is the most appropriate next step?