MDRAO Sterile Storage, Handling, and Distribution 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A sterile package has been stored correctly but is found to be wet. What should be done?
- Consider it non-sterile and reprocess the item (Correct answer)
- Allow it to air dry and return it to stock
- Dry the outer surface and keep it in service
- Inspect the inner wrap and use if dry
Correct answer: Consider it non-sterile and reprocess the item
Moisture compromises sterile packaging integrity; any wet package must be considered non-sterile and removed for reprocessing.
Question 2: Which traffic pattern principle should be followed in sterile storage areas?
- One-way traffic flow from clean to sterile zones (Correct answer)
- Bidirectional traffic is acceptable with PPE
- Staff may freely enter from any direction
- Traffic control only applies during procedures
Correct answer: One-way traffic flow from clean to sterile zones
One-way traffic flow prevents clean and soiled items from crossing paths, reducing contamination risk in sterile storage.
Question 3: What FIFO principle means in the context of sterile supply distribution?
- First In, First Out — oldest stock issued before newer stock (Correct answer)
- First Inspection, Final Output — check before dispatch
- Fully Inspected, Final Order — all items verified
- Fast Issue, Fast Order — expedite critical items
Correct answer: First In, First Out — oldest stock issued before newer stock
FIFO (First In, First Out) ensures older stock is used before newly sterilized items, rotating inventory appropriately.
Question 4: When stacking sterile packages on shelves, what is the primary concern?
- Compression damage to the packaging and contents (Correct answer)
- Items becoming too warm from contact
- Static electricity buildup between packages
- Color coding becoming difficult to read
Correct answer: Compression damage to the packaging and contents
Excessive stacking creates compression forces that can damage packaging seals and delicate instrument tips or ratchets.
Question 5: Which document provides standardized guidance on packaging systems used in sterile processing?
- ISO 11607 (Correct answer)
- AORN RP:ST
- CSA Z8000
- ANSI/AAMI ST79
Correct answer: ISO 11607
ISO 11607 is the international standard specifying requirements for packaging materials and systems for terminally sterilized medical devices.
Question 6: A sterile supply technician notices condensation inside a sealed pouch after removal from an autoclave. This most likely indicates:
- Inadequate drying during the sterilization cycle (Correct answer)
- The item was already contaminated before packaging
- The chemical indicator malfunctioned
- The package was stored too close to other items
Correct answer: Inadequate drying during the sterilization cycle
Condensation inside a sealed pouch after autoclaving indicates the drying phase was insufficient, leaving residual moisture trapped inside.
Question 7: Which factor most directly affects the integrity of peel-pouch seals during storage?
- Temperature fluctuations causing repeated expansion and contraction (Correct answer)
- The brand of the sterilizer used
- The age of the sterilization indicator inside
- The type of instrument stored in the pouch
Correct answer: Temperature fluctuations causing repeated expansion and contraction
Temperature fluctuations cause packaging materials to expand and contract repeatedly, stressing and potentially weakening peel-pouch seals over time.
MDRAO Sterile Storage, Handling, and Distribution 3
A sterile package has been stored correctly but is found to be wet.
What should be done?