IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
IAHCSMM CRCST Exam | 2026/2027 Actual Exam
150 Verified Questions and Correct Answers
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by IAHCSMM (now HSPA)
Comprehensive Certification Examination | Aligned with HSPA CRCST Certification Standards, IAHCSMM Central
Service Technical Manual, and AAMI/ANSI Sterilization Guidelines (2026/2027 Edition)
Section 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy
Q1: The medical term "periosteal" refers to which anatomic structure?
A. The cartilage that covers joint surfaces
B. The fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bone *[CORRECT]*
C. The dense connective tissue within the bone marrow cavity
D. The growth plate at the ends of long bones
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The prefix "peri-" means "around" and "oste/o" refers to bone; the periosteum is the fibrous membrane covering the
outer surface of bone, containing blood vessels and nerves critical for bone nutrition and repair. Periosteal elevators are
surgical instruments used to lift this membrane during orthopedic procedures. The other choices describe articular cartilage,
endosteum, and epiphyseal plate, respectively.
Q2: A central service technician is processing instruments for a cholecystectomy. Which term correctly describes
the surgical removal of the gallbladder?
A. Choledocholithotomy
B. Cholecystectomy *[CORRECT]*
C. Cholecystostomy
D. Choledochoduodenostomy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The suffix "-ectomy" means surgical removal; "cholecyst/o" refers to the gallbladder; therefore cholecystectomy is
the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Choledocholithotomy is the removal of a stone from the common bile duct (-otomy =
cutting into), cholecystostomy is the creation of an opening into the gallbladder (-ostomy = creating a stoma), and
choledochoduodenostomy is an anastomosis between the bile duct and duodenum. Knowledge of surgical terminology guides
correct tray assembly.
Q3: Which anatomic structure is being resected during a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
A. The urinary bladder
B. The prostate gland via the urethra *[CORRECT]*
C. The seminal vesicles via an abdominal incision
D. The ureters via a retroperitoneal approach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TURP is an abbreviation for transurethral resection of the prostate: "trans-" (across/through) + "urethr/o" (urethra)
+ "resection" (surgical removal). The prostate gland is resected using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra, eliminating
the need for an external incision. This is a common urologic procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Knowledge of
procedural terminology helps technicians select the correct instruments (resectoscope loops, elliptical loops, etc.).
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 1
,IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
Q4: A retractor used to hold the edges of an abdominal incision apart during surgery is classified by which
anatomic term?
A. Self-retaining retractor for laminar tissue planes
B. Self-retaining retractor for wound edge retraction *[CORRECT]*
C. Manual retractor for fascial closure
D. Passive retractor for vascular occlusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Self-retaining retractors (such as Balfour, Bookwalter, or Gelpi) hold wound edges apart without requiring an
assistant to manually hold them, providing sustained exposure of the surgical field. The Balfour retractor is commonly used for
abdominal incisions. "Laminar tissue planes" describes fascial layers, not a retractor classification; "fascial closure" describes
suturing, not retraction; and "vascular occlusion" describes clamping, not retraction.
Q5: The prefix "osteo-" refers to which body tissue?
A. Cartilage
B. Bone *[CORRECT]*
C. Tendon
D. Ligament
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The prefix "osteo-" is derived from the Greek "osteon" meaning bone; therefore osteomyelitis (bone marrow
infection), osteotomy (cutting into bone), and osteoplasty (surgical repair of bone) all involve bone tissue. "Chondro-" refers to
cartilage, "teno-" to tendons, and "desmo-" or "syndesmo-" to ligaments. Correct interpretation of prefixes allows technicians to
anticipate which instruments (e.g., bone rongeurs, osteotomes) will be required.
Q6: Which medical abbreviation stands for "nothing by mouth"?
A. NPO *[CORRECT]*
B. PRN
C. STAT
D. NS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NPO is the abbreviation for the Latin "nil per os" meaning "nothing by mouth"; it indicates that the patient must not
consume any food or fluids orally, typically before surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. PRN means "as needed" (pro re
nata), STAT means "immediately" (statim), and NS means "normal saline." Knowledge of standard medical abbreviations is
required by HSPA for CRCST certification.
Q7: When processing instruments for a hysterectomy, the technician recognizes that the suffix "-ectomy"
indicates which procedure?
A. Surgical cutting into an organ
B. Surgical removal of an organ or tissue *[CORRECT]*
C. Surgical creation of an opening into an organ
D. Surgical repair or reconstruction of an organ
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The suffix "-ectomy" means surgical removal of an organ or tissue; therefore hysterectomy (removal of the uterus),
appendectomy (removal of the appendix), and cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) all involve complete organ removal.
The suffix "-otomy" means cutting into; "-ostomy" means creating a stoma or opening; and "-plasty" means surgical repair or
reconstruction. The HSPA terminology module requires mastery of these suffixes for surgical tray preparation.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 2
,IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
Q8: A surgeon requests an instrument for "thoracic" surgery. To which body cavity does this refer?
A. The abdominal cavity
B. The chest cavity containing the lungs and heart *[CORRECT]*
C. The pelvic cavity containing the bladder and reproductive organs
D. The cranial cavity containing the brain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "thoracic" refers to the thorax or chest cavity, which contains the lungs, heart, great vessels, esophagus,
and trachea. Thoracic surgery includes procedures such as thoracotomy, lobectomy, and coronary artery bypass. "Abdominal"
refers to the abdominal cavity, "pelvic" to the pelvic cavity, and "cranial" to the cranial cavity. Knowledge of body cavities
guides correct instrument selection and tray assembly.
Q9: Which anatomic plane divides the body into right and left portions?
A. The transverse (horizontal) plane
B. The frontal (coronal) plane
C. The sagittal plane *[CORRECT]*
D. The oblique plane
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left portions; the midsagittal plane divides the body into equal
right and left halves. The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions, and the transverse
(horizontal) plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions. The HSPA anatomy curriculum requires understanding
these planes for surgical positioning and instrument selection.
Q10: The term "laparotomy" refers to which surgical procedure?
A. Surgical removal of the appendix
B. Surgical incision into the abdominal wall *[CORRECT]*
C. Surgical repair of the inguinal hernia
D. Surgical creation of an opening in the stomach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "lapar/o" refers to the abdominal wall or flank, and "-otomy" means cutting into; therefore laparotomy is a
surgical incision into the abdominal wall to expose the abdominal organs for exploration or surgery. Appendectomy is the
removal of the appendix, herniorrhaphy is the repair of a hernia, and gastrostomy is the creation of an opening into the
stomach. A laparotomy tray contains large retractors (Balfour, Bookwalter), forceps, and clamps for abdominal exposure.
Q11: Which term describes a surgical instrument used to grasp and hold tissue?
A. Retractor
B. Forceps *[CORRECT]*
C. Speculum
D. Curette
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Forceps are surgical instruments used to grasp, hold, or manipulate tissue; examples include tissue forceps
(DeBakey, Bayonet), dressing forceps, and hemostatic forceps (Mosquito, Kelly, Crile). A retractor holds tissue or wound edges
apart to expose the surgical field; a speculum holds open a body orifice (vaginal, nasal); and a curette is used to scrape tissue
from a cavity or surface. The HSPA instrumentation module requires identification of all major instrument classes.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 3
, IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
Q12: The medical term "arthroscopy" is best defined as which procedure?
A. Surgical removal of a joint
B. Visual examination of the interior of a joint using an endoscope *[CORRECT]*
C. Surgical fusion of a joint
D. Surgical repair of a torn joint ligament
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "arthr/o" refers to joints and "-scopy" means visual examination using an endoscope; therefore
arthroscopy is the visual examination of a joint's interior using an arthroscope inserted through a small incision. Arthroplasty is
joint repair or replacement, arthrodesis is joint fusion, and arthrotomy is surgical incision into a joint. Arthroscopy requires
specialized rigid endoscopes, cameras, and shaver systems requiring high-level disinfection or sterilization per AAMI ST91.
Q13: A central service technician is preparing instruments for a procedure involving the cardiovascular system.
Which instrument is most likely to be included in this set?
A. Sims uterine curette
B. Castroviejo needle holder
C. Bulldog vascular clamp *[CORRECT]*
D. Tonsil snare
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A Bulldog vascular clamp is a small, spring-loaded clamp used to occlude blood vessels during cardiovascular and
vascular surgery, allowing the surgeon to control blood flow without damaging the vessel wall. The Sims uterine curette is a
gynecologic instrument, the Castroviejo needle holder is used in ophthalmic and microsurgery, and the tonsil snare is an ENT
instrument used during tonsillectomy. Identifying instruments by surgical specialty is a core CRCST competency.
Q14: Which anatomic structure is being treated when the surgeon requests a "hemorrhoidectomy" tray?
A. The sigmoid colon
B. The swollen veins in the rectum and anus *[CORRECT]*
C. The ileocecal valve
D. The anal sphincter muscle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "hemorrhoid" refers to swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum and anus, and "-ectomy" means surgical
removal; therefore hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids. The procedure is performed using a Pratt
anoscope, forceps, scissors, and electrocautery. The HSPA anatomy curriculum emphasizes matching surgical procedures to
their anatomic targets, which is critical for assembling correct instrument trays.
Q15: Which directional term means "closer to the trunk" or "toward the point of origin"?
A. Distal
B. Proximal *[CORRECT]*
C. Lateral
D. Superior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "proximal" means closer to the trunk or toward the point of origin; for example, the proximal femur is the
part of the thigh bone closer to the hip. "Distal" means farther from the trunk (e.g., the distal phalanx of a finger is the tip).
"Lateral" means away from the midline, and "superior" means above or toward the head. The HSPA anatomy module requires
mastery of directional terminology for instrument identification and surgical positioning.
Section 2: Infection Prevention & Control
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 4
IAHCSMM CRCST Exam | 2026/2027 Actual Exam
150 Verified Questions and Correct Answers
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by IAHCSMM (now HSPA)
Comprehensive Certification Examination | Aligned with HSPA CRCST Certification Standards, IAHCSMM Central
Service Technical Manual, and AAMI/ANSI Sterilization Guidelines (2026/2027 Edition)
Section 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy
Q1: The medical term "periosteal" refers to which anatomic structure?
A. The cartilage that covers joint surfaces
B. The fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bone *[CORRECT]*
C. The dense connective tissue within the bone marrow cavity
D. The growth plate at the ends of long bones
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The prefix "peri-" means "around" and "oste/o" refers to bone; the periosteum is the fibrous membrane covering the
outer surface of bone, containing blood vessels and nerves critical for bone nutrition and repair. Periosteal elevators are
surgical instruments used to lift this membrane during orthopedic procedures. The other choices describe articular cartilage,
endosteum, and epiphyseal plate, respectively.
Q2: A central service technician is processing instruments for a cholecystectomy. Which term correctly describes
the surgical removal of the gallbladder?
A. Choledocholithotomy
B. Cholecystectomy *[CORRECT]*
C. Cholecystostomy
D. Choledochoduodenostomy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The suffix "-ectomy" means surgical removal; "cholecyst/o" refers to the gallbladder; therefore cholecystectomy is
the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Choledocholithotomy is the removal of a stone from the common bile duct (-otomy =
cutting into), cholecystostomy is the creation of an opening into the gallbladder (-ostomy = creating a stoma), and
choledochoduodenostomy is an anastomosis between the bile duct and duodenum. Knowledge of surgical terminology guides
correct tray assembly.
Q3: Which anatomic structure is being resected during a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
A. The urinary bladder
B. The prostate gland via the urethra *[CORRECT]*
C. The seminal vesicles via an abdominal incision
D. The ureters via a retroperitoneal approach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TURP is an abbreviation for transurethral resection of the prostate: "trans-" (across/through) + "urethr/o" (urethra)
+ "resection" (surgical removal). The prostate gland is resected using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra, eliminating
the need for an external incision. This is a common urologic procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Knowledge of
procedural terminology helps technicians select the correct instruments (resectoscope loops, elliptical loops, etc.).
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 1
,IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
Q4: A retractor used to hold the edges of an abdominal incision apart during surgery is classified by which
anatomic term?
A. Self-retaining retractor for laminar tissue planes
B. Self-retaining retractor for wound edge retraction *[CORRECT]*
C. Manual retractor for fascial closure
D. Passive retractor for vascular occlusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Self-retaining retractors (such as Balfour, Bookwalter, or Gelpi) hold wound edges apart without requiring an
assistant to manually hold them, providing sustained exposure of the surgical field. The Balfour retractor is commonly used for
abdominal incisions. "Laminar tissue planes" describes fascial layers, not a retractor classification; "fascial closure" describes
suturing, not retraction; and "vascular occlusion" describes clamping, not retraction.
Q5: The prefix "osteo-" refers to which body tissue?
A. Cartilage
B. Bone *[CORRECT]*
C. Tendon
D. Ligament
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The prefix "osteo-" is derived from the Greek "osteon" meaning bone; therefore osteomyelitis (bone marrow
infection), osteotomy (cutting into bone), and osteoplasty (surgical repair of bone) all involve bone tissue. "Chondro-" refers to
cartilage, "teno-" to tendons, and "desmo-" or "syndesmo-" to ligaments. Correct interpretation of prefixes allows technicians to
anticipate which instruments (e.g., bone rongeurs, osteotomes) will be required.
Q6: Which medical abbreviation stands for "nothing by mouth"?
A. NPO *[CORRECT]*
B. PRN
C. STAT
D. NS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NPO is the abbreviation for the Latin "nil per os" meaning "nothing by mouth"; it indicates that the patient must not
consume any food or fluids orally, typically before surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. PRN means "as needed" (pro re
nata), STAT means "immediately" (statim), and NS means "normal saline." Knowledge of standard medical abbreviations is
required by HSPA for CRCST certification.
Q7: When processing instruments for a hysterectomy, the technician recognizes that the suffix "-ectomy"
indicates which procedure?
A. Surgical cutting into an organ
B. Surgical removal of an organ or tissue *[CORRECT]*
C. Surgical creation of an opening into an organ
D. Surgical repair or reconstruction of an organ
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The suffix "-ectomy" means surgical removal of an organ or tissue; therefore hysterectomy (removal of the uterus),
appendectomy (removal of the appendix), and cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) all involve complete organ removal.
The suffix "-otomy" means cutting into; "-ostomy" means creating a stoma or opening; and "-plasty" means surgical repair or
reconstruction. The HSPA terminology module requires mastery of these suffixes for surgical tray preparation.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 2
,IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
Q8: A surgeon requests an instrument for "thoracic" surgery. To which body cavity does this refer?
A. The abdominal cavity
B. The chest cavity containing the lungs and heart *[CORRECT]*
C. The pelvic cavity containing the bladder and reproductive organs
D. The cranial cavity containing the brain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "thoracic" refers to the thorax or chest cavity, which contains the lungs, heart, great vessels, esophagus,
and trachea. Thoracic surgery includes procedures such as thoracotomy, lobectomy, and coronary artery bypass. "Abdominal"
refers to the abdominal cavity, "pelvic" to the pelvic cavity, and "cranial" to the cranial cavity. Knowledge of body cavities
guides correct instrument selection and tray assembly.
Q9: Which anatomic plane divides the body into right and left portions?
A. The transverse (horizontal) plane
B. The frontal (coronal) plane
C. The sagittal plane *[CORRECT]*
D. The oblique plane
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left portions; the midsagittal plane divides the body into equal
right and left halves. The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions, and the transverse
(horizontal) plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions. The HSPA anatomy curriculum requires understanding
these planes for surgical positioning and instrument selection.
Q10: The term "laparotomy" refers to which surgical procedure?
A. Surgical removal of the appendix
B. Surgical incision into the abdominal wall *[CORRECT]*
C. Surgical repair of the inguinal hernia
D. Surgical creation of an opening in the stomach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "lapar/o" refers to the abdominal wall or flank, and "-otomy" means cutting into; therefore laparotomy is a
surgical incision into the abdominal wall to expose the abdominal organs for exploration or surgery. Appendectomy is the
removal of the appendix, herniorrhaphy is the repair of a hernia, and gastrostomy is the creation of an opening into the
stomach. A laparotomy tray contains large retractors (Balfour, Bookwalter), forceps, and clamps for abdominal exposure.
Q11: Which term describes a surgical instrument used to grasp and hold tissue?
A. Retractor
B. Forceps *[CORRECT]*
C. Speculum
D. Curette
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Forceps are surgical instruments used to grasp, hold, or manipulate tissue; examples include tissue forceps
(DeBakey, Bayonet), dressing forceps, and hemostatic forceps (Mosquito, Kelly, Crile). A retractor holds tissue or wound edges
apart to expose the surgical field; a speculum holds open a body orifice (vaginal, nasal); and a curette is used to scrape tissue
from a cavity or surface. The HSPA instrumentation module requires identification of all major instrument classes.
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 3
, IAHCSMM CRCST Exam - 2026/2027 Actual Exam HSPA / AAMI / ANSI Standards | 150 Verified Questions
Q12: The medical term "arthroscopy" is best defined as which procedure?
A. Surgical removal of a joint
B. Visual examination of the interior of a joint using an endoscope *[CORRECT]*
C. Surgical fusion of a joint
D. Surgical repair of a torn joint ligament
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "arthr/o" refers to joints and "-scopy" means visual examination using an endoscope; therefore
arthroscopy is the visual examination of a joint's interior using an arthroscope inserted through a small incision. Arthroplasty is
joint repair or replacement, arthrodesis is joint fusion, and arthrotomy is surgical incision into a joint. Arthroscopy requires
specialized rigid endoscopes, cameras, and shaver systems requiring high-level disinfection or sterilization per AAMI ST91.
Q13: A central service technician is preparing instruments for a procedure involving the cardiovascular system.
Which instrument is most likely to be included in this set?
A. Sims uterine curette
B. Castroviejo needle holder
C. Bulldog vascular clamp *[CORRECT]*
D. Tonsil snare
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A Bulldog vascular clamp is a small, spring-loaded clamp used to occlude blood vessels during cardiovascular and
vascular surgery, allowing the surgeon to control blood flow without damaging the vessel wall. The Sims uterine curette is a
gynecologic instrument, the Castroviejo needle holder is used in ophthalmic and microsurgery, and the tonsil snare is an ENT
instrument used during tonsillectomy. Identifying instruments by surgical specialty is a core CRCST competency.
Q14: Which anatomic structure is being treated when the surgeon requests a "hemorrhoidectomy" tray?
A. The sigmoid colon
B. The swollen veins in the rectum and anus *[CORRECT]*
C. The ileocecal valve
D. The anal sphincter muscle
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "hemorrhoid" refers to swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum and anus, and "-ectomy" means surgical
removal; therefore hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of hemorrhoids. The procedure is performed using a Pratt
anoscope, forceps, scissors, and electrocautery. The HSPA anatomy curriculum emphasizes matching surgical procedures to
their anatomic targets, which is critical for assembling correct instrument trays.
Q15: Which directional term means "closer to the trunk" or "toward the point of origin"?
A. Distal
B. Proximal *[CORRECT]*
C. Lateral
D. Superior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The term "proximal" means closer to the trunk or toward the point of origin; for example, the proximal femur is the
part of the thigh bone closer to the hip. "Distal" means farther from the trunk (e.g., the distal phalanx of a finger is the tip).
"Lateral" means away from the midline, and "superior" means above or toward the head. The HSPA anatomy module requires
mastery of directional terminology for instrument identification and surgical positioning.
Section 2: Infection Prevention & Control
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
150 Questions
(CRCST)
| Cognitive Levels: Recall / Application / Analysis Page 4
