IAHCSMM CERTIFIED REGISTERED
CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN
(CRCST) ADVANCED EXAMINATION
1. Which regulatory agency is responsible for enforcing the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?
A. FDA
B. CDC
C. EPA
D. OSHA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the
federal agency that enforces safety regulations to protect workers, including the
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
2. What is the minimum temperature required for a gravity displacement steam sterilizer
cycle at 27 psi?
A. 270°F (132°C)
B. 250°F (121°C)
C. 275°F (135°C)
,D. 140°F (60°C)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Standard gravity displacement cycles typically operate at 250°F
or 270°F. At higher pressures like 27-30 psi, 270°F is the common benchmark.
3. The process by which all forms of microbial life, including spores, are destroyed is known
as:
A. High-level disinfection
B. Sterilization
C. Sanitization
D. Decontamination
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sterilization is the only process that kills all microbial life,
including bacterial spores.
4. Which of the following is an example of a semi-critical item according to Spaulding’s
Classification?
A. Surgical instruments
B. Blood pressure cuffs
C. Endotracheal tubes
D. Cardiac catheters
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes
or non-intact skin and require at least high-level disinfection. Endotracheal tubes fall into
this category.
5. What is the purpose of a Bowie-Dick test?
A. To check for microbial kill
B. To measure the concentration of Ethylene Oxide
C. To detect air leaks and inadequate air removal in dynamic-air-removal sterilizers
D. To calibrate the pressure gauge
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Bowie-Dick test specifically evaluates the ability of a
prevacuum sterilizer to remove air from the chamber and detect air leaks.
6. Which type of bacteria is characterized by a thick peptidoglycan layer and stains purple
during a Gram stain?
A. Gram-negative
B. Spirochetes
C. Acid-fast
D. Gram-positive
Answer: D
CENTRAL SERVICE TECHNICIAN
(CRCST) ADVANCED EXAMINATION
1. Which regulatory agency is responsible for enforcing the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?
A. FDA
B. CDC
C. EPA
D. OSHA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the
federal agency that enforces safety regulations to protect workers, including the
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
2. What is the minimum temperature required for a gravity displacement steam sterilizer
cycle at 27 psi?
A. 270°F (132°C)
B. 250°F (121°C)
C. 275°F (135°C)
,D. 140°F (60°C)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Standard gravity displacement cycles typically operate at 250°F
or 270°F. At higher pressures like 27-30 psi, 270°F is the common benchmark.
3. The process by which all forms of microbial life, including spores, are destroyed is known
as:
A. High-level disinfection
B. Sterilization
C. Sanitization
D. Decontamination
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sterilization is the only process that kills all microbial life,
including bacterial spores.
4. Which of the following is an example of a semi-critical item according to Spaulding’s
Classification?
A. Surgical instruments
B. Blood pressure cuffs
C. Endotracheal tubes
D. Cardiac catheters
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes
or non-intact skin and require at least high-level disinfection. Endotracheal tubes fall into
this category.
5. What is the purpose of a Bowie-Dick test?
A. To check for microbial kill
B. To measure the concentration of Ethylene Oxide
C. To detect air leaks and inadequate air removal in dynamic-air-removal sterilizers
D. To calibrate the pressure gauge
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Bowie-Dick test specifically evaluates the ability of a
prevacuum sterilizer to remove air from the chamber and detect air leaks.
6. Which type of bacteria is characterized by a thick peptidoglycan layer and stains purple
during a Gram stain?
A. Gram-negative
B. Spirochetes
C. Acid-fast
D. Gram-positive
Answer: D
