HSPA (formally IAHCSMM) CRCST 8TH
EDITION - FINAL EXAM Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
if trays are used for flash sterilization, they should be
perforated or mesh-bottomed to ensure good circulation of the steam in the sterilizers
chamber. if rigid containers are used they should be specifically designed for flash
sterilization.
pre cleaning is the most important part of the decontamination process
up to 99% of microorganisms on an instrument can be removed with thorough cleaning.
class 5 integrators
integrating indicators designed to react to all critical parameters over a specified range of
sterilization cycles. they are correlated to the biological kill of Geobacillus
stearothermophilus, used to monitor steam sterilization cycle efficacy.
biological indicator
sterilization process monitoring device consisting of a standardized viable population of
microorganisms "spores" known to be resistant to the mode of sterilization being monitored
incubation temperature for geobacillus stearothermophilus is
122°F - 140°F
Control BI
unsterilized or processed BI that is incubated to confirm spores in a batch of BI's are viable.
Control BI's should always be positive.
,residual air removal test - bowie dick test
Class 2
test for sterilizers with a pre vacuum cycle, checks the efficiency of the sterilizers air removal
system during the pre vacuum cycle to detect inadequate air removal or air leaks in the
chamber.
steam pressure on the chamber and jacket gauges must be equal during the exposure
phase of the cycle both should be at least:
27psi @ 270°F.
31psi @ 275°F
documentation for each flash cycle should include
patients name.
contents.
cycle used.
reason.
signature of staff person responsible.
critical devices
introduced directly into the bloodstream or other normally sterile areas of the body.
should undergo a sterilization process.
semi-critical devices
come in contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes where risk of infection is less.
should receive a minimum of high-level disinfection
non-critical devices
, contact intact skin, risk of infection is low, only require intermediate or low level disinfection
or cleaning
oxidizing agent
a material that removes electrons from another substance
peracetic acid (PA) - liquid oxidizing agent that is an effective biocide at low temps. its
chemical formula is acetic acid "vinegar" + an extra oxygen atom. PA is an effective
germicidal agent and it is more potent than hydrogen peroxide.
use dilution concentration of PA is 0.2% with a pH of 6.4 sterilization temps 122°F-133°F,
exposure last for 12 minutes, followed by 4 sterile water rinses, by-products are vinegar,
water, and oxygen. entire processing time approximately 30 minutes. BI Monitoring uses
Geobacillus stearothermophilus.
conduction
transmission of heat from one part to another part of a material
convection
transfer of heat from one point to another as the liquid or gas circulates
important factors for sterilization
type of microorganisms.
number of microorganisms.
amount and type of soil.
amount of protection device provides.
advantages of steam sterilization
EDITION - FINAL EXAM Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
if trays are used for flash sterilization, they should be
perforated or mesh-bottomed to ensure good circulation of the steam in the sterilizers
chamber. if rigid containers are used they should be specifically designed for flash
sterilization.
pre cleaning is the most important part of the decontamination process
up to 99% of microorganisms on an instrument can be removed with thorough cleaning.
class 5 integrators
integrating indicators designed to react to all critical parameters over a specified range of
sterilization cycles. they are correlated to the biological kill of Geobacillus
stearothermophilus, used to monitor steam sterilization cycle efficacy.
biological indicator
sterilization process monitoring device consisting of a standardized viable population of
microorganisms "spores" known to be resistant to the mode of sterilization being monitored
incubation temperature for geobacillus stearothermophilus is
122°F - 140°F
Control BI
unsterilized or processed BI that is incubated to confirm spores in a batch of BI's are viable.
Control BI's should always be positive.
,residual air removal test - bowie dick test
Class 2
test for sterilizers with a pre vacuum cycle, checks the efficiency of the sterilizers air removal
system during the pre vacuum cycle to detect inadequate air removal or air leaks in the
chamber.
steam pressure on the chamber and jacket gauges must be equal during the exposure
phase of the cycle both should be at least:
27psi @ 270°F.
31psi @ 275°F
documentation for each flash cycle should include
patients name.
contents.
cycle used.
reason.
signature of staff person responsible.
critical devices
introduced directly into the bloodstream or other normally sterile areas of the body.
should undergo a sterilization process.
semi-critical devices
come in contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes where risk of infection is less.
should receive a minimum of high-level disinfection
non-critical devices
, contact intact skin, risk of infection is low, only require intermediate or low level disinfection
or cleaning
oxidizing agent
a material that removes electrons from another substance
peracetic acid (PA) - liquid oxidizing agent that is an effective biocide at low temps. its
chemical formula is acetic acid "vinegar" + an extra oxygen atom. PA is an effective
germicidal agent and it is more potent than hydrogen peroxide.
use dilution concentration of PA is 0.2% with a pH of 6.4 sterilization temps 122°F-133°F,
exposure last for 12 minutes, followed by 4 sterile water rinses, by-products are vinegar,
water, and oxygen. entire processing time approximately 30 minutes. BI Monitoring uses
Geobacillus stearothermophilus.
conduction
transmission of heat from one part to another part of a material
convection
transfer of heat from one point to another as the liquid or gas circulates
important factors for sterilization
type of microorganisms.
number of microorganisms.
amount and type of soil.
amount of protection device provides.
advantages of steam sterilization
