IAHCSMM (CRCST) COMPREHENSIVE
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which regulatory agency is responsible for the classification of medical devices based on
their risk to the patient?
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. CDC
D. FDA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies medical
devices into Class I, II, and III based on the risk they pose to patients and the level of control
necessary to ensure safety.
2. What is the recommended temperature range for the sterile storage area?
A. Up to 75°F
B. 68°F to 73°F
C. 75°F to 80°F
,D. 60°F to 65°F
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to AAMI standards, the sterile storage area should
generally be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 75°F (24°C) to prevent moisture
buildup and maintain integrity.
3. Which type of fire extinguisher should be used on an electrical fire?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type D
D. Type C
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type C extinguishers are designed specifically for electrical fires,
while Type A is for wood/paper and Type B is for flammable liquids.
4. The process by which all forms of microbial life, including spores, are destroyed is called:
A. Disinfection
B. Sanitization
C. Decontamination
D. Sterilization
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sterilization is the only process that kills all microbial life
including highly resistant bacterial spores.
5. What is the purpose of the Bowie-Dick test?
A. To detect air leaks and inadequate air removal
B. To verify steam quality
C. To check for microbial kill
D. To measure the concentration of ETO
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Bowie-Dick test is a chemical indicator test used in
dynamic-air-removal sterilizers to ensure that air is being effectively removed from the
chamber.
6. In the Spaulding Classification system, a flexible endoscope is considered:
A. Critical
B. Semi-critical
C. Non-critical
D. High-risk
Answer: B
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which regulatory agency is responsible for the classification of medical devices based on
their risk to the patient?
A. OSHA
B. EPA
C. CDC
D. FDA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies medical
devices into Class I, II, and III based on the risk they pose to patients and the level of control
necessary to ensure safety.
2. What is the recommended temperature range for the sterile storage area?
A. Up to 75°F
B. 68°F to 73°F
C. 75°F to 80°F
,D. 60°F to 65°F
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to AAMI standards, the sterile storage area should
generally be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 75°F (24°C) to prevent moisture
buildup and maintain integrity.
3. Which type of fire extinguisher should be used on an electrical fire?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type D
D. Type C
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type C extinguishers are designed specifically for electrical fires,
while Type A is for wood/paper and Type B is for flammable liquids.
4. The process by which all forms of microbial life, including spores, are destroyed is called:
A. Disinfection
B. Sanitization
C. Decontamination
D. Sterilization
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sterilization is the only process that kills all microbial life
including highly resistant bacterial spores.
5. What is the purpose of the Bowie-Dick test?
A. To detect air leaks and inadequate air removal
B. To verify steam quality
C. To check for microbial kill
D. To measure the concentration of ETO
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Bowie-Dick test is a chemical indicator test used in
dynamic-air-removal sterilizers to ensure that air is being effectively removed from the
chamber.
6. In the Spaulding Classification system, a flexible endoscope is considered:
A. Critical
B. Semi-critical
C. Non-critical
D. High-risk
Answer: B
