IAHCSMM Sterile Storage and Distribution 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which temperature range is recommended for sterile storage areas to minimize package degradation?
- 50–60°F (10–16°C)
- 60–75°F (16–24°C) (Correct answer)
- 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- 85–95°F (29–35°C)
Correct answer: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
AAMI guidelines recommend sterile storage temperatures between 60–75°F (16–24°C) to prevent condensation and packaging material breakdown.
Question 2: A sterile tray is found with a wet package. What does moisture on the exterior most likely indicate?
- The item was stored too long
- The sterilization process was incomplete
- The sterile barrier may be compromised (Correct answer)
- The item needs to be re-labeled
Correct answer: The sterile barrier may be compromised
Moisture on a sterile package is considered a package integrity event that compromises the sterile barrier and requires reprocessing.
Question 3: Which document establishes standards for sterile packaging and storage in US healthcare facilities?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
- AAMI ST79 (Correct answer)
- CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control
- USP Chapter 797
Correct answer: AAMI ST79
AAMI ST79 is the comprehensive guide for steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities, including packaging and storage standards.
Question 4: What information is minimally required on a sterile package label?
- Contents, sterilizer number, cycle number, and expiration date
- Contents, load number, sterilization date, and technician initials (Correct answer)
- Contents, sterilization date, and department only
- Contents and patient name only
Correct answer: Contents, load number, sterilization date, and technician initials
Sterile package labels must include contents, load/lot number, sterilization date, and technician identification for traceability.
Question 5: Which area of the hospital should receive sterile supplies through a pass-through window or controlled access point?
- General supply room
- Operating room suite (Correct answer)
- Administrative offices
- Staff locker room
Correct answer: Operating room suite
The OR suite should receive sterile supplies through controlled access points or pass-through windows to maintain the sterile field integrity.
Question 6: What is the primary risk of stacking heavy items on top of sterile wrapped packages?
- Chemical indicator failure
- Package compression compromising the sterile barrier (Correct answer)
- Increased humidity inside the package
- Sterilant residue buildup
Correct answer: Package compression compromising the sterile barrier
Compression from heavy items can crush packaging material, create holes, or break seals, compromising the sterile barrier.
Question 7: When distributing sterile supplies to patient care units, which transport method best maintains sterile integrity?
- Open wire cart with no cover
- Covered, closed cart or enclosed container (Correct answer)
- Standard linen cart
- Personal backpack or bag
Correct answer: Covered, closed cart or enclosed container
Covered, closed transport carts protect sterile packages from environmental contamination, moisture, and physical damage during distribution.
IAHCSMM Sterile Storage and Distribution 3
Which temperature range is recommended for sterile storage areas to minimize package degradation?