Sterile Processing Technician Exam 2026 | Instrument
Handling & Infection Control
1. What is the first step in instrument processing after use?
A. Sterilization
B. Decontamination
C. Packaging
D. Storage
Answer: B
2. Which PPE is most important in the decontamination area?
A. Surgical mask only
B. Sterile gloves only
C. Heavy-duty gloves, gown, face shield
D. Shoe covers only
Answer: C
3. The main purpose of sterilization is to:
A. Clean visible soil
B. Kill all microorganisms including spores
C. Remove stains
D. Dry instruments
Answer: B
4. Which method is considered the gold standard for sterilization monitoring?
A. Chemical indicator
B. Mechanical record
C. Biological indicator
D. Tape indicator
Answer: C
5. Instruments should be kept wet after use to:
A. Prevent rust and dried soil
,B. Increase contamination
C. Improve sterilization speed
D. Make cleaning harder
Answer: A
6. What temperature is typically used in steam sterilization?
A. 100°C
B. 121°C–134°C
C. 80°C
D. 60°C
Answer: B
7. Cross-contamination means:
A. Cleaning instruments properly
B. Transfer of microorganisms from one item to another
C. Sterilization failure
D. Packaging instruments
Answer: B
8. Which area is considered the “dirty zone”?
A. Storage
B. Sterilization
C. Decontamination
D. Operating room
Answer: C
9. What is used to verify sterilizer performance daily?
A. Biological indicator only
B. Chemical indicator and mechanical printout
C. Water test
D. Visual inspection only
Answer: B
, 10. The purpose of packaging instruments is to:
A. Decorate trays
B. Maintain sterility until use
C. Clean instruments
D. Increase weight
Answer: B
11. Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) is used when:
A. Instruments are clean and stored
B. Quick sterilization is needed in emergencies
C. Instruments are broken
D. No electricity is available
Answer: B
12. Which item must be inspected first before sterilization?
A. Packaging wrap
B. Instruments for damage and cleanliness
C. Sterilizer door
D. Storage shelf
Answer: B
13. Enzymatic detergents are used to:
A. Sterilize instruments
B. Break down organic material
C. Disinfect air
D. Lubricate machines only
Answer: B
14. A biological indicator contains:
A. Chemicals
B. Live resistant spores
C. Plastic strips
Handling & Infection Control
1. What is the first step in instrument processing after use?
A. Sterilization
B. Decontamination
C. Packaging
D. Storage
Answer: B
2. Which PPE is most important in the decontamination area?
A. Surgical mask only
B. Sterile gloves only
C. Heavy-duty gloves, gown, face shield
D. Shoe covers only
Answer: C
3. The main purpose of sterilization is to:
A. Clean visible soil
B. Kill all microorganisms including spores
C. Remove stains
D. Dry instruments
Answer: B
4. Which method is considered the gold standard for sterilization monitoring?
A. Chemical indicator
B. Mechanical record
C. Biological indicator
D. Tape indicator
Answer: C
5. Instruments should be kept wet after use to:
A. Prevent rust and dried soil
,B. Increase contamination
C. Improve sterilization speed
D. Make cleaning harder
Answer: A
6. What temperature is typically used in steam sterilization?
A. 100°C
B. 121°C–134°C
C. 80°C
D. 60°C
Answer: B
7. Cross-contamination means:
A. Cleaning instruments properly
B. Transfer of microorganisms from one item to another
C. Sterilization failure
D. Packaging instruments
Answer: B
8. Which area is considered the “dirty zone”?
A. Storage
B. Sterilization
C. Decontamination
D. Operating room
Answer: C
9. What is used to verify sterilizer performance daily?
A. Biological indicator only
B. Chemical indicator and mechanical printout
C. Water test
D. Visual inspection only
Answer: B
, 10. The purpose of packaging instruments is to:
A. Decorate trays
B. Maintain sterility until use
C. Clean instruments
D. Increase weight
Answer: B
11. Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) is used when:
A. Instruments are clean and stored
B. Quick sterilization is needed in emergencies
C. Instruments are broken
D. No electricity is available
Answer: B
12. Which item must be inspected first before sterilization?
A. Packaging wrap
B. Instruments for damage and cleanliness
C. Sterilizer door
D. Storage shelf
Answer: B
13. Enzymatic detergents are used to:
A. Sterilize instruments
B. Break down organic material
C. Disinfect air
D. Lubricate machines only
Answer: B
14. A biological indicator contains:
A. Chemicals
B. Live resistant spores
C. Plastic strips
