Sterile Processing Technician (CSPDT) Certification Exam Prep 2026 |
Complete Study Guide for Central Sterile Processing & Distribution
Technicians | Decontamination, Instrument Cleaning & Assembly,
Sterilization Methods, Infection Control, Surgical Instrument
Identification, Quality Assurance, AAMI Standards, and High-Yield
Practice Questions to Pass the CSPDT Exam
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of sterilization in a healthcare setting?
A) To clean instruments
B) To remove debris
C) To eliminate all forms of microbial life
D) To prevent rusting
Correct Answer: C) To eliminate all forms of microbial life
Rationale: The primary goal of sterilization is to ensure that all microorganisms,
including spores, are destroyed to prevent infection during medical procedures.
Question 2:
Which method is commonly used for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical
instruments?
A) Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
B) Steam sterilization
C) Dry heat sterilization
D) Chemical sterilization
Correct Answer: A) Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Rationale: Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is effective for heat-sensitive instruments
because it operates at lower temperatures compared to steam sterilization, ensuring
that delicate items are not damaged.
Question 3:
What is the recommended minimum exposure time for steam sterilization at 121°C
(250°F)?
A) 10 minutes
B) 15 minutes
,C) 30 minutes
D) 60 minutes
Correct Answer: B) 15 minutes
Rationale: The minimum exposure time for steam sterilization at 121°C is 15 minutes.
This time ensures adequate microbial kill while allowing for the penetration of steam.
Question 4:
Which of the following is the most important step after sterilization?
A) Packing instruments
B) Proper storage of sterilized items
C) Cleaning instruments
D) Initial inspection of instruments
Correct Answer: B) Proper storage of sterilized items
Rationale: Proper storage is crucial to maintaining sterility. Sterilized items must be
stored in a clean, dry environment to prevent contamination before use.
Question 5:
What type of packaging is best for items that will undergo steam sterilization?
A) Plastic wraps
B) Paper-plastic pouches
C) Cardboard boxes
D) Aluminum foil
Correct Answer: B) Paper-plastic pouches
Rationale: Paper-plastic pouches are designed for steam sterilization, allowing steam
penetration while maintaining a sterile barrier after the process.
Question 6:
What is the primary disinfectant used in high-level disinfection?
A) Chlorine bleach
B) Glutaraldehyde
C) Phenolic compounds
D) Alcohol
Correct Answer: B) Glutaraldehyde
Rationale: Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a high-level disinfectant due to its efficacy
against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
, Question 7:
Which of the following is a sign of improper sterilization?
A) Clear instrument visibility
B) Browning of packaging
C) Sterile indicators change color
D) Clean instruments
Correct Answer: B) Browning of packaging
Rationale: Browning of packaging material can indicate overheating during the
sterilization process, which could compromise the integrity of the sterilization.
Question 8:
In what environment is ethylene oxide sterilization typically performed?
A) Well-ventilated area
B) Open-air environment
C) Unventilated chamber
D) Cold storage
Correct Answer: A) Well-ventilated area
Rationale: Ethylene oxide sterilization requires a well-ventilated area to disperse toxic
gases and ensure safety for personnel.
Question 9:
Which of the following must be used during the cleaning process of surgical
instruments?
A) Only water
B) Appropriate detergents
C) Alcohol only
D) Vinegar
Correct Answer: B) Appropriate detergents
Rationale: Utilizing appropriate detergents ensures effective removal of organic debris
and contaminants from instruments, which is crucial prior to sterilization.
Question 10:
Complete Study Guide for Central Sterile Processing & Distribution
Technicians | Decontamination, Instrument Cleaning & Assembly,
Sterilization Methods, Infection Control, Surgical Instrument
Identification, Quality Assurance, AAMI Standards, and High-Yield
Practice Questions to Pass the CSPDT Exam
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of sterilization in a healthcare setting?
A) To clean instruments
B) To remove debris
C) To eliminate all forms of microbial life
D) To prevent rusting
Correct Answer: C) To eliminate all forms of microbial life
Rationale: The primary goal of sterilization is to ensure that all microorganisms,
including spores, are destroyed to prevent infection during medical procedures.
Question 2:
Which method is commonly used for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical
instruments?
A) Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
B) Steam sterilization
C) Dry heat sterilization
D) Chemical sterilization
Correct Answer: A) Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Rationale: Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is effective for heat-sensitive instruments
because it operates at lower temperatures compared to steam sterilization, ensuring
that delicate items are not damaged.
Question 3:
What is the recommended minimum exposure time for steam sterilization at 121°C
(250°F)?
A) 10 minutes
B) 15 minutes
,C) 30 minutes
D) 60 minutes
Correct Answer: B) 15 minutes
Rationale: The minimum exposure time for steam sterilization at 121°C is 15 minutes.
This time ensures adequate microbial kill while allowing for the penetration of steam.
Question 4:
Which of the following is the most important step after sterilization?
A) Packing instruments
B) Proper storage of sterilized items
C) Cleaning instruments
D) Initial inspection of instruments
Correct Answer: B) Proper storage of sterilized items
Rationale: Proper storage is crucial to maintaining sterility. Sterilized items must be
stored in a clean, dry environment to prevent contamination before use.
Question 5:
What type of packaging is best for items that will undergo steam sterilization?
A) Plastic wraps
B) Paper-plastic pouches
C) Cardboard boxes
D) Aluminum foil
Correct Answer: B) Paper-plastic pouches
Rationale: Paper-plastic pouches are designed for steam sterilization, allowing steam
penetration while maintaining a sterile barrier after the process.
Question 6:
What is the primary disinfectant used in high-level disinfection?
A) Chlorine bleach
B) Glutaraldehyde
C) Phenolic compounds
D) Alcohol
Correct Answer: B) Glutaraldehyde
Rationale: Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a high-level disinfectant due to its efficacy
against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
, Question 7:
Which of the following is a sign of improper sterilization?
A) Clear instrument visibility
B) Browning of packaging
C) Sterile indicators change color
D) Clean instruments
Correct Answer: B) Browning of packaging
Rationale: Browning of packaging material can indicate overheating during the
sterilization process, which could compromise the integrity of the sterilization.
Question 8:
In what environment is ethylene oxide sterilization typically performed?
A) Well-ventilated area
B) Open-air environment
C) Unventilated chamber
D) Cold storage
Correct Answer: A) Well-ventilated area
Rationale: Ethylene oxide sterilization requires a well-ventilated area to disperse toxic
gases and ensure safety for personnel.
Question 9:
Which of the following must be used during the cleaning process of surgical
instruments?
A) Only water
B) Appropriate detergents
C) Alcohol only
D) Vinegar
Correct Answer: B) Appropriate detergents
Rationale: Utilizing appropriate detergents ensures effective removal of organic debris
and contaminants from instruments, which is crucial prior to sterilization.
Question 10:
