IAHCSMM (CRCST) 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document from a device manufacturer provides critical reprocessing instructions that CS technicians must follow?
- The hospital infection control policy only
- The manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU) (Correct answer)
- The OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard
- The technician's personal training manual
Correct answer: The manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU)
Manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs) provide legally validated, device-specific reprocessing instructions that must be followed to ensure safety and device integrity.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a sterilization load control number (lot control number)?
- To track the number of times an instrument has been sterilized
- To enable rapid identification and recall of items from a specific sterilization cycle (Correct answer)
- To identify which technician loaded the sterilizer
- To record the purchase date of instruments in the tray
Correct answer: To enable rapid identification and recall of items from a specific sterilization cycle
Lot control numbers link sterile items to a specific sterilizer cycle, enabling targeted recall if a sterilization failure is discovered.
Question 3: Which condition would make a rigid sterilization container unacceptable for use?
- Lid gasket appears dark gray from normal use
- Container has visible cracks, a damaged filter, or a missing locking mechanism (Correct answer)
- Container is older than five years but in perfect condition
- Container was used in a previous cycle without relabeling
Correct answer: Container has visible cracks, a damaged filter, or a missing locking mechanism
Cracks, damaged filters, or non-functioning locking mechanisms compromise the barrier integrity of a rigid container, rendering it unacceptable for sterilization.
Question 4: What is the primary function of enzymatic detergents used in instrument cleaning?
- To disinfect instruments to a high level before sterilization
- To break down organic soil such as blood, protein, and fat through enzyme activity (Correct answer)
- To remove mineral deposits and hard water scale from instruments
- To lubricate instrument joints to prevent corrosion
Correct answer: To break down organic soil such as blood, protein, and fat through enzyme activity
Enzymatic detergents contain protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes that chemically break down organic matter, improving cleaning efficacy particularly in lumens and hinges.
Question 5: When using a flash (immediate-use) steam sterilization cycle, what is a key limitation compared to terminal sterilization?
- Flash sterilization cannot be used on metal instruments
- Items sterilized by flash cannot be stored and must be used immediately (Correct answer)
- Flash cycles are less reliable because they do not use steam
- Flash sterilization uses lower temperatures than standard steam autoclaves
Correct answer: Items sterilized by flash cannot be stored and must be used immediately
Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS/flash) is intended for emergency use only; items cannot be packaged for storage and must be transported aseptically to the point of use immediately.
Question 6: Which practice is required before using any powered surgical instrument that has been reprocessed?
- Soaking in enzymatic solution for 24 hours post-sterilization
- Testing the instrument for proper function before returning it to service (Correct answer)
- Applying a corrosion inhibitor to all external surfaces
- Performing a Bowie-Dick test on the sterilizer used
Correct answer: Testing the instrument for proper function before returning it to service
Powered instruments must be functionally tested after reprocessing to confirm they operate correctly and safely before being used on a patient.
Question 7: According to AAMI ST79, how often should biological indicators be used to monitor gravity displacement steam sterilizers?
- Once per month only
- At least weekly, and with every load containing implantable devices (Correct answer)
- Only when a new sterilizer is installed
- Every 90 days as part of routine preventive maintenance
Correct answer: At least weekly, and with every load containing implantable devices
AAMI ST79 recommends routine BI monitoring at least weekly for gravity sterilizers and with every load containing implantable devices, with results reviewed before implant release.
IAHCSMM (CRCST) 5
Which document from a device manufacturer provides critical reprocessing instructions that CS technicians must follow?