IAHCSMM Sterile Storage and Distribution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable relative humidity in a sterile storage area according to AAMI standards?
- 35%
- 50% (Correct answer)
- 70%
- 80%
Correct answer: 50%
AAMI standards recommend relative humidity between 30–60% in sterile storage areas, with 50% as the common target maximum.
Question 2: Which event-related sterility concept states that sterile items remain sterile until an event compromises the package?
- Time-related sterility
- Event-related sterility (Correct answer)
- Barrier-dependent sterility
- Process-dependent sterility
Correct answer: Event-related sterility
Event-related sterility holds that a properly packaged sterile item remains sterile indefinitely until a specific event (moisture, tear, compression) compromises the package integrity.
Question 3: Sterile supplies should be stored at least how many inches off the floor?
- 4 inches
- 8 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
Sterile items must be stored at least 8–12 inches off the floor to prevent contamination from floor cleaning splash and moisture.
Question 4: A CS technician notices a sterile package has a torn outer wrap. What is the correct action?
- Re-wrap and re-label with today's date
- Remove from service and reprocess (Correct answer)
- Issue the item if the inner wrap is intact
- Place a tamper-evident label over the tear
Correct answer: Remove from service and reprocess
Any compromise to the sterile barrier system requires the item to be removed from service and reprocessed from the beginning.
Question 5: Which type of shelving is preferred in sterile storage areas to allow air circulation and visual inspection?
- Solid metal shelving
- Wooden shelving
- Open wire shelving (Correct answer)
- Plastic bin shelving
Correct answer: Open wire shelving
Open wire shelving promotes air circulation, reduces moisture accumulation, and allows staff to visually inspect packages from multiple angles.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of positive air pressure in a sterile storage room?
- To keep the room cooler
- To prevent outside contaminants from entering (Correct answer)
- To reduce humidity below 30%
- To maintain HEPA filtration efficiency
Correct answer: To prevent outside contaminants from entering
Positive air pressure ensures that air flows outward when doors open, preventing contaminated air from adjacent areas from entering the sterile storage room.
Question 7: How should sterile packages be arranged on shelving to maintain FIFO (first in, first out) rotation?
- Newest items placed in front, oldest in back
- Oldest items placed in front, newest in back (Correct answer)
- Items arranged by size only
- Items arranged alphabetically by instrument name
Correct answer: Oldest items placed in front, newest in back
FIFO rotation requires oldest items to be placed at the front and new stock placed behind so older items are used first.
IAHCSMM Sterile Storage and Distribution 2
What is the maximum allowable relative humidity in a sterile storage area according to AAMI standards?