Chapter 1-4 IAHCSMM UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Who created IAHCSMM? What year and where was it established - CORRECT
ANSWER - Mary Helen Anderson, Created in 1958 in Chicago Illinois
why was IAHCSMM created? - CORRECT ANSWER - created so that instruments can be
cleaned by those who are specialized in cleaning instruments, not nurses
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) - CORRECT ANSWER - The
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification program is designed to
recognize entry level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge
and skills necessary to provide competent services as a central service technician.
Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) - CORRECT ANSWER - Certified Instrument
Specialist (CIS)- Emphasis is on identifying, handling and processing surgical instruments.
MUST HAVE FULL CRCST BEFORE OBTAINING CIS
Certification in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) - CORRECT ANSWER - Certification in
Healthcare Leadership (CHL)- Emphasis is on supervisory, responsibility, including recruitment,
selection, orientation and training, communication, leadership, motivation and other relating
concepts. MUST HAVE FULL CRCST BEFORE OBTAINING CHL
One-Way Flow - CORRECT ANSWER - Soiled Area onto Clean Processing Area then
onto Sterile Storage Area
What is decontamination? - CORRECT ANSWER - the physical or chemical process that
renders an inanimate object, such as surgical instruments that were in the OR that are or may be
contaminated with many harmful microbes, safe for further handling.
, the process of sterilizing an object to make it safe to handle.
what is the decontamination area - CORRECT ANSWER - The decon area is where all
soiled (contaminated) instruments and other items are received from user departments.
what are the 2 parts of Decon - CORRECT ANSWER - Mechanical wash (put through a
washer)
Hand Wash (thoroughly cleansed with hands)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - CORRECT ANSWER - Protective equipment that
blocks exposure to a pathogen or a hazardous material.
PPE includes protective clothing, gloves, eyewear, face masks and shoe coverings
Preparation and Packing - CORRECT ANSWER - After items are safe for handling, they
are delivered to the prep and park area of the CS department
Sterilization - CORRECT ANSWER - The process that completely destroys all microbial
life, including spores by following the manufactures Instruction For Use (IFU)
Instructions For Use (IFU) - CORRECT ANSWER - Information provided by a devices
manufacturer that provides detailed instructions on how to properly use and process the device
what are the 3 methods of sterilization - CORRECT ANSWER - Steam (Most Common)
Sterrad (Hydrogen Peroxide)
ETO (Gas)
How long must instruments be in a cart washer before they can be used? - CORRECT
ANSWER - must be in washer for at least 4 minutes and must reach a temperature of 270
degrees
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Who created IAHCSMM? What year and where was it established - CORRECT
ANSWER - Mary Helen Anderson, Created in 1958 in Chicago Illinois
why was IAHCSMM created? - CORRECT ANSWER - created so that instruments can be
cleaned by those who are specialized in cleaning instruments, not nurses
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) - CORRECT ANSWER - The
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification program is designed to
recognize entry level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience, knowledge
and skills necessary to provide competent services as a central service technician.
Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) - CORRECT ANSWER - Certified Instrument
Specialist (CIS)- Emphasis is on identifying, handling and processing surgical instruments.
MUST HAVE FULL CRCST BEFORE OBTAINING CIS
Certification in Healthcare Leadership (CHL) - CORRECT ANSWER - Certification in
Healthcare Leadership (CHL)- Emphasis is on supervisory, responsibility, including recruitment,
selection, orientation and training, communication, leadership, motivation and other relating
concepts. MUST HAVE FULL CRCST BEFORE OBTAINING CHL
One-Way Flow - CORRECT ANSWER - Soiled Area onto Clean Processing Area then
onto Sterile Storage Area
What is decontamination? - CORRECT ANSWER - the physical or chemical process that
renders an inanimate object, such as surgical instruments that were in the OR that are or may be
contaminated with many harmful microbes, safe for further handling.
, the process of sterilizing an object to make it safe to handle.
what is the decontamination area - CORRECT ANSWER - The decon area is where all
soiled (contaminated) instruments and other items are received from user departments.
what are the 2 parts of Decon - CORRECT ANSWER - Mechanical wash (put through a
washer)
Hand Wash (thoroughly cleansed with hands)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - CORRECT ANSWER - Protective equipment that
blocks exposure to a pathogen or a hazardous material.
PPE includes protective clothing, gloves, eyewear, face masks and shoe coverings
Preparation and Packing - CORRECT ANSWER - After items are safe for handling, they
are delivered to the prep and park area of the CS department
Sterilization - CORRECT ANSWER - The process that completely destroys all microbial
life, including spores by following the manufactures Instruction For Use (IFU)
Instructions For Use (IFU) - CORRECT ANSWER - Information provided by a devices
manufacturer that provides detailed instructions on how to properly use and process the device
what are the 3 methods of sterilization - CORRECT ANSWER - Steam (Most Common)
Sterrad (Hydrogen Peroxide)
ETO (Gas)
How long must instruments be in a cart washer before they can be used? - CORRECT
ANSWER - must be in washer for at least 4 minutes and must reach a temperature of 270
degrees
