Sterile Storage, Handling, and Distribution Flashcards
7 cards from real MDRAO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sterile Storage, Handling, and Distribution flashcards as text
What are the ideal environmental conditions for a sterile storage area?
Answer: Positive air pressure, with controlled temperature and humidity.
Sterile storage areas should have positive air pressure relative to adjacent areas to prevent airborne contaminants from entering. Temperature and humidity must also be controlled (e.g., temp below 24°C, humidity 30-60%) to protect the integrity of sterile packaging and prevent microbial growth.
The shelf life of a sterilized package is considered to be:
Answer: Event-related, not time-related.
Modern standards recognize that sterility is 'event-related,' meaning an item remains sterile until an event compromises the package integrity. Such events include punctures, moisture contamination, or excessive handling, rather than the simple passage of a predetermined amount of time.
According to CSA standards, how far from the floor should the bottom shelf in a sterile storage area be?
Answer: At least 25 cm (10 inches).
Storing sterile items at least 25 cm (10 inches) off the floor protects them from contamination during floor cleaning and from ambient floor-level contaminants. This clearance also allows for proper air circulation and effective cleaning underneath the shelving units.
When handling a sterile package, what is the most important principle to follow?
Answer: Ensure your hands are clean and handle it as little as possible.
Every time a sterile package is handled, there is a risk of compromising its integrity. It is crucial to have clean, dry hands and to handle the package minimally, supporting it from the bottom and avoiding crushing, bending, or dropping it.
The principle of 'First In, First Out' (FIFO) in sterile storage ensures that:
Answer: The oldest sterile supplies are used first.
FIFO is a stock rotation method where the items that were sterilized and placed in storage first are the first ones to be removed for use. This system helps minimize the chance of packages expiring (if using time-related dating) and reduces the potential for damage from prolonged storage.
When transporting sterile items on a cart, how should they be protected?
Answer: They should be covered with a clean, impervious cover or transported in a closed cart.
During transport outside of the sterile storage area, sterile items are vulnerable to environmental contamination from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Using a dedicated, closed cart or placing a clean, impervious cover over the items on an open cart provides a crucial barrier against these contaminants.
Before distributing a sterile item to the user, what must the MDRD technician verify?
Answer: The package integrity is intact (no holes, tears, or moisture) and the external indicator has changed colour.
The final check before an item is sent to the user is critical for patient safety. The technician must inspect the package for any signs of compromise like holes, tears, broken seals, or water stains, and confirm the external chemical indicator has made the expected colour change.