IAHCSMM Sterile Storage and Distribution 4

Question 1

What action should be taken when a sterile item's external chemical indicator has not changed to the correct color?

Accepted Answer

Remove from service and investigate the sterilization cycle

Answer

Use the item if the internal indicator passed

Answer

Re-run the item through a shorter cycle

Answer

Document the finding and distribute anyway

Question 2

How far from the ceiling should sterile supplies be stored to allow for sprinkler system activation?

Accepted Answer

18 inches

Answer

6 inches

Answer

12 inches

Answer

24 inches

Question 3

Which sterilization method requires the longest outgassing period before sterile items can be stored and distributed?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide (EO)

Answer

Steam sterilization

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide plasma

Answer

Dry heat sterilization

Question 4

A CS tech is conducting a sterile storage area inspection. Which finding requires immediate corrective action?

Accepted Answer

Packages stored within 6 inches of an exterior wall with visible condensation

Answer

Open wire shelving with packages stored 12 inches off the floor

Answer

Positive pressure anteroom leading to storage area

Answer

Temperature log reading of 68°F

Question 5

In an event-related sterility system, which of the following would NOT trigger removal from service?

Accepted Answer

Package stored for 14 months

Answer

Package with a puncture hole

Answer

Package with a broken heat seal

Answer

Package exposed to flooding

Question 6

Which tracking system is increasingly used in CS departments to manage sterile inventory distribution by scanning barcodes at point-of-use?

Accepted Answer

Instrument tracking/management system (ITS)

Answer

Manual log book system

Answer

Telephone order system

Answer

Color-coded bin system

Question 7

What is the purpose of a biological indicator (BI) in sterile storage quality assurance?

Accepted Answer

To confirm that sterilization conditions killed the most resistant microorganism

Answer

To verify correct packaging technique

Answer

To measure shelf life of stored items

Answer

To detect moisture inside packages