Practice Test Geeks(IAHCSMM) International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Manage Practice Test
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(CRCST) Flashcards

7 cards from real IAHCSMM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 (CRCST) flashcards as text

  1. Which temperature range is required for steam sterilization in a gravity displacement cycle for wrapped instruments?

    Answer: 250°F (121°C) for 15 minutes

    Gravity displacement steam sterilization for wrapped instruments requires 250°F (121°C) for a minimum of 15 minutes.

  2. What is the primary purpose of a biological indicator (BI) in sterilization monitoring?

    Answer: To confirm that sterilization parameters were met using resistant spores

    Biological indicators use highly resistant bacterial spores to confirm that sterilization conditions were sufficient to kill the most resistant microorganisms.

  3. Which item classification system determines the level of disinfection or sterilization required for a medical device?

    Answer: Spaulding Classification

    The Spaulding Classification categorizes medical devices as critical, semi-critical, or non-critical to determine the appropriate level of reprocessing.

  4. What does the term 'bioburden' refer to in the context of instrument reprocessing?

    Answer: The number and types of viable microorganisms present on an item before sterilization

    Bioburden refers to the number and types of viable microorganisms contaminating an item prior to sterilization, which affects the efficacy of the sterilization process.

  5. Which PPE is required when handling instruments in the decontamination area?

    Answer: Utility gloves, face shield, impermeable gown, and shoe covers

    OSHA requires full PPE including utility gloves, face/eye protection, impermeable gown, and shoe covers in the decontamination area to protect against bloodborne pathogens.

  6. What is the correct order of workflow in a central sterile processing department?

    Answer: Decontamination → Inspection/Assembly → Packaging → Sterilization

    The correct workflow flows from decontamination through inspection and assembly, then packaging, and finally sterilization to ensure a unidirectional clean-to-sterile process.

  7. Which type of packaging material is NOT compatible with ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization?

    Answer: Nylon pouches

    Nylon is not permeable to ethylene oxide gas and therefore is not appropriate for EO sterilization packaging.