SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Sterile Storage and Transport 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended minimum distance that sterile packages should be stored from the floor in a sterile storage area?
- 2 inches (5 cm)
- 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) (Correct answer)
- 18 inches (46 cm)
- 36 inches (91 cm)
Correct answer: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
AAMI and The Joint Commission recommend sterile packages be stored at least 8–10 inches off the floor to protect them from contamination, moisture, and floor-cleaning activities.
Question 2: Which inventory rotation system is required in sterile storage to ensure oldest items are used first?
- Last in, first out (LIFO)
- First in, first out (FIFO) (Correct answer)
- Random rotation based on package size
- Rotation is not required if event-related sterility is used
Correct answer: First in, first out (FIFO)
FIFO (first in, first out) rotation ensures that packages with earlier load or event dates are used before newer ones, reducing the risk of packaging degradation over time.
Question 3: Which type of shelving is preferred in sterile storage areas to reduce dust accumulation on packages?
- Solid-bottom shelving
- Wire or open-grid shelving (Correct answer)
- Wooden shelving
- Fabric-lined shelving
Correct answer: Wire or open-grid shelving
Wire or open-grid shelving allows air circulation around packages and reduces dust accumulation compared to solid shelving, helping maintain package integrity.
Question 4: What is the concept of 'event-related sterility' as it applies to sterile storage?
- Sterility is guaranteed for a fixed number of days after sterilization
- Sterility is maintained until the package is opened or its integrity is compromised (Correct answer)
- Sterility expires automatically after 30 days regardless of packaging
- Sterility is determined by the type of sterilant used
Correct answer: Sterility is maintained until the package is opened or its integrity is compromised
Event-related sterility holds that a properly sealed, intact package remains sterile indefinitely until an event — such as damage, moisture, or opening — compromises its barrier, rather than relying solely on a calendar expiration date.
Question 5: What should a sterile processing technician do before placing a sterilized package into sterile storage?
- Apply a waterproof coating to the outside of the package
- Inspect the package for integrity, correct labeling, and chemical indicator change (Correct answer)
- Place the package in a plastic bag to extend shelf life
- Cool the package in a refrigerator for at least one hour
Correct answer: Inspect the package for integrity, correct labeling, and chemical indicator change
Each package must be inspected before storage to verify that the packaging is intact, the load label and lot information are correct, and the external chemical indicator has changed to the appropriate color, confirming exposure to the sterilization process.
Question 6: When transporting sterile items within a facility, which practice best protects package sterility during transit?
- Carrying packages in open hands to allow air circulation
- Transporting items in closed, covered carts or rigid containers (Correct answer)
- Stacking packages directly on uncovered hospital beds
- Placing sterile items in the same cart as soiled instruments to save trips
Correct answer: Transporting items in closed, covered carts or rigid containers
Closed, covered carts or rigid transport containers shield sterile packages from environmental contaminants, accidental contact, and moisture during transit through facility corridors and elevators.
SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Sterile Storage and Transport 1
What is the recommended minimum distance that sterile packages should be stored from the floor in a sterile storage area?