Sterile Processing Final Exam Prep 2025/2026 | Complete Study Guide with Verified Questions and Correct Answers | SPD Certification Practice Test for Technicians

Sterile Processing Final Exam Prep 2025/2026 |
Complete Study Guide with Verified Questions
and Correct Answers | SPD Certification Practice
Test for Technicians

Question 1
What is the primary purpose of sterilization in healthcare?
A) To clean instruments
B) To disinfect surfaces
C) To eliminate all forms of microbial life
D) To reduce bioburden
Answer: C) To eliminate all forms of microbial life
Rationale: Sterilization is intended to remove or destroy all microorganisms, including
spores.


Question 2
Which of the following is a common method of sterilization?
A) Soap and water
B) Alcohol wipes
C) Steam under pressure (autoclaving)
D) UV light
Answer: C) Steam under pressure (autoclaving)
Rationale: Autoclaving is the most widely used method for sterilizing heat-resistant
instruments.


Question 3
What is the minimum temperature and time for steam sterilization in an autoclave?
A) 100°C for 30 minutes
B) 121°C for 15 minutes
C) 121°C for 30 minutes
D) 134°C for 10 minutes
Answer: C) 121°C for 30 minutes
Rationale: The standard temperature and time for steam sterilization is 121°C for 30
minutes at 15 psi.


Question 4

,Which of the following items is NOT typically sterilized using steam?
A) Surgical instruments
B) Glassware
C) Plastic items
D) Textile packs
Answer: C) Plastic items
Rationale: Many plastics cannot withstand the high temperatures of steam
sterilization.


Question 5
What is the function of a biological indicator in sterilization?
A) To measure temperature
B) To check for moisture
C) To confirm the effectiveness of the sterilization process
D) To indicate the presence of cleaning agents
Answer: C) To confirm the effectiveness of the sterilization process
Rationale: Biological indicators contain live spores that are killed during effective
sterilization.


Question 6
Which of the following is considered a critical item in sterile processing?
A) Surgical drapes
B) Surgical instruments
C) Non-invasive items
D) Expendable supplies
Answer: B) Surgical instruments
Rationale: Critical items are those that come into direct contact with sterile tissue or
the vascular system.


Question 7
What is the appropriate method for cleaning instruments before sterilization?
A) Rinsing with water
B) Wiping with a damp cloth
C) Manual cleaning with a brush and detergent
D) Soaking in alcohol

,Answer: C) Manual cleaning with a brush and detergent
Rationale: Manual cleaning is crucial to remove blood, debris, and bioburden before
sterilization.


Question 8
What is the role of a sterilization monitor?
A) To ensure proper sterilization parameters are met
B) To check for instrument functionality
C) To validate the cleaning process
D) To confirm packaging integrity
Answer: A) To ensure proper sterilization parameters are met
Rationale: Sterilization monitors help verify that the conditions necessary for effective
sterilization have been achieved.


Question 9
What is the ideal humidity level for steam sterilization?
A) 10-20%
B) 30-40%
C) 30-60%
D) 70-80%
Answer: C) 30-60%
Rationale: Proper humidity levels are essential for effective steam penetration and
sterilization.


Question 10
What is the purpose of wrapping instruments for sterilization?
A) To keep them clean
B) To reduce weight
C) To maintain sterility after sterilization
D) To save space
Answer: C) To maintain sterility after sterilization
Rationale: Proper wrapping is crucial to keep instruments sterile until they are ready for
use.


Question 11

, Which of the following is a disadvantage of using ethylene oxide (EO) for sterilization?
A) Effective against all microorganisms
B) Requires a long aeration time
C) Low temperature
D) Non-toxic
Answer: B) Requires a long aeration time
Rationale: Ethylene oxide requires significant aeration time to ensure no residual gas
remains.


Question 12
What is the minimum exposure time for ethylene oxide sterilization at 54°C?
A) 30 minutes
B) 1 hour
C) 2 hours
D) 3 hours
Answer: B) 1 hour
Rationale: The minimum exposure time at 54°C for effective EO sterilization is typically
1 hour.


Question 13
Which sterilization method uses radiation?
A) Steam
B) Dry heat
C) Ionizing radiation
D) Ethylene oxide
Answer: C) Ionizing radiation
Rationale: Ionizing radiation is used to sterilize items that cannot withstand heat or
moisture.


Question 14
What is the purpose of a surgical instrument's passivation process?
A) To sharpen the instrument
B) To improve grip
C) To prevent rust and corrosion
D) To enhance appearance
Answer: C) To prevent rust and corrosion
Rationale: Passivation helps to create a protective layer on stainless steel instruments.