IAHCSMM Packaging, Wrapping & Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information must be included on the label of a sterilized package?
- Technician's name only
- Sterilizer number, cycle/lot number, date of sterilization, and expiration date if applicable (Correct answer)
- Only the sterilization date
- The instrument count and sterilizer temperature
Correct answer: Sterilizer number, cycle/lot number, date of sterilization, and expiration date if applicable
Package labels must include sufficient traceability information — sterilizer ID, load number, date — to enable recall and quality investigation if needed.
Question 2: Rigid sterilization containers (RSCs) must be inspected before each use for:
- Color consistency of the container
- Integrity of the lid, latches, gaskets, and filter retention mechanism (Correct answer)
- Total weight of the tray
- Manufacturer logo visibility
Correct answer: Integrity of the lid, latches, gaskets, and filter retention mechanism
RSC integrity depends on the proper condition of the lid, gaskets, latches, and filter system; damaged components compromise the sterile barrier.
Question 3: Sterilized packages should be stored in which type of environment?
- High humidity, room temperature open shelving
- Low humidity, temperature-controlled, closed or covered shelving away from traffic areas (Correct answer)
- Cold storage below 10°C (50°F)
- High-airflow areas for rapid drying
Correct answer: Low humidity, temperature-controlled, closed or covered shelving away from traffic areas
Sterile storage areas should be climate-controlled with low humidity, minimal traffic, and covered shelving to protect package integrity.
Question 4: Why should sterile packages never be stored directly on the floor?
- For aesthetic reasons
- To prevent contamination from floor cleaning products and foot traffic (Correct answer)
- To comply with weight load regulations
- Because floors are too cold
Correct answer: To prevent contamination from floor cleaning products and foot traffic
Floor storage exposes packages to moisture, chemicals from cleaning, compression damage, and microbial contamination from traffic.
Question 5: What is the recommended practice when placing items in a peel pouch for sterilization?
- Instruments should be placed handles-first toward the sealed end
- Instruments should be placed tip-first toward the peel-open end for safe aseptic presentation (Correct answer)
- Two instruments can be stacked face-to-face in one pouch
- Pouches should be filled completely to maximize efficiency
Correct answer: Instruments should be placed tip-first toward the peel-open end for safe aseptic presentation
Placing instruments tip-first toward the peel opening ensures that the handle is presented to the user during aseptic opening, preventing tip contamination.
Question 6: Which packaging material is incompatible with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization?
- Tyvek pouches
- Polypropylene nonwoven wraps
- Cellulose-based materials (paper/muslin) (Correct answer)
- Rigid sterilization containers approved for H2O2
Correct answer: Cellulose-based materials (paper/muslin)
Cellulose absorbs hydrogen peroxide, depleting the sterilant and preventing adequate plasma formation, making it incompatible with H2O2 plasma sterilization.
IAHCSMM Packaging, Wrapping & Storage 2
What information must be included on the label of a sterilized package?