Sterile Storage and Distribution Flashcards
7 cards from real IAHCSMM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sterile Storage and Distribution flashcards as text
When a sterile item recall is issued due to a failed biological indicator, which records are essential to identify affected items?
Answer: Sterilizer load/lot numbers and distribution logs
Load/lot number records and distribution logs allow CS staff to trace exactly which items were in a compromised sterilization load and where they were sent.
Which packaging material is most susceptible to damage from excessive humidity in sterile storage?
Answer: Paper/plastic peel pouches
Paper/plastic peel pouches are particularly vulnerable to moisture, which can compromise the paper barrier and break the seal integrity.
What does the term 'lot number' refer to in sterile supply management?
Answer: The unique identifier linking a sterile item to its sterilization cycle
A lot number uniquely identifies the sterilization load/cycle, enabling traceability and facilitating recalls when sterilizer failures are detected.
Which of the following actions during sterile supply distribution would most likely compromise sterile integrity?
Answer: Carrying packages in bare hands without gloves in a clean corridor
Handling sterile packages with bare hands transfers oils, moisture, and microorganisms that can penetrate packaging materials over time.
How should a CS department handle sterile supplies that were stored in a flooding event in the hospital?
Answer: Remove all affected items from service and reprocess
Flooding is a definitive package compromise event under event-related sterility; all affected items must be removed from service and reprocessed regardless of appearance.
What is the recommended minimum number of air exchanges per hour in a sterile storage room?
Answer: 10 air exchanges
AAMI ST79 recommends a minimum of 10 air exchanges per hour in sterile storage areas to control airborne contamination and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity.
A sterile package is found with a heat seal that is partially open along one edge. What is the correct classification of this finding?
Answer: Package integrity failure requiring reprocessing
Any broken or incomplete heat seal represents a breach in the sterile barrier system, requiring the item to be removed from service and reprocessed.