MDRAO Sterile Storage and Distribution 2

Question 1

What environmental conditions must be maintained in the sterile storage area to support event-related sterility maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Temperature of 18–24°C, relative humidity of 35–70%, positive air pressure, and limited access to the area

Answer

Sterile storage areas require controlled temperature (18–24°C), controlled relative humidity (35–70%), positive pressure relative to adjacent areas, and restricted access — all documented to support the event-related sterility model.

Question 2

What does 'first in, first out' (FIFO) mean in the context of sterile storage management?

Accepted Answer

Older sterilized items are used first before newer ones to prevent items from remaining in storage indefinitely and potentially suffering a compromising event

Answer

FIFO ensures that the oldest sterilized stock is used before newer items — preventing accumulation of old stock and ensuring items are not left in storage for excessive periods where the probability of a compromising event increases over time.

Question 3

What is the minimum height that sterile packages must be stored from the floor?

Accepted Answer

20–25 cm (8–10 inches)

Answer

Sterile packages must be stored a minimum of 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) from the floor to protect against moisture from floor cleaning, contamination from foot traffic, and physical damage.

Question 4

When transporting sterile items from the CSSD to clinical care areas, which type of transport container is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Closed, covered carts or rigid covered containers that protect sterile packages from environmental contamination and physical damage during transport

Answer

Sterile items must be transported in closed, covered, purpose-built carts or containers that physically protect packages from dust, moisture, handling damage, and environmental contamination during transit through hospital corridors.

Question 5

Before using a sterile package in a clinical procedure, what inspection steps must clinical staff perform?

Accepted Answer

Check the external chemical indicator colour change, inspect the seal and packaging integrity, verify the load control number is present, and confirm the package is dry and undamaged

Answer

Before using any sterile package, clinical staff must inspect: external CI colour change, package seal integrity, absence of moisture, absence of tears or damage, presence of a valid load control number — refusing any package that does not pass inspection.

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO Sterile Storage and Distribution 2