NBSTSA CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
SELF-ASSESSMENT A AND B EXAMINATION
TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
2026
◉ What is the limitation of heat-sensitive tape in sterilization?
Answer: Heat-sensitive tape alone cannot check the effectiveness of
sterilization.
◉ What is a biological indicator in sterilization? Answer: A test using
living spores resistant to heat; it is the best method to check
effectiveness of sterilization.
◉ Which instrument is used in otorhinolaryngology surgery?
Answer: Baron suction tip, which is very small and used for ear
procedures.
◉ What is the use of a Heaney instrument? Answer: It is used in
gynecological procedures.
◉ What type of procedures is a Doyen instrument used for? Answer:
Gastrointestinal procedures.
,◉ Why is a Poole suction tip not used in otorhinolaryngology?
Answer: It is much too large and is primarily used in abdominal
procedures.
◉ Which organization regulates the production of biological
sterilization test packs in-house? Answer: Association for the
Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
◉ What does the CDC regulate? Answer: The control of diseases.
◉ What does ANSI regulate? Answer: Healthcare and other
standards.
◉ What is the purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)? Answer: They
describe how to store chemicals and clean up chemical spills.
◉ What instrument is most likely to be placed on a second mayo
stand during an open hemicolectomy? Answer: Allis forceps, as they
would be used at the start of anastomosis.
◉ When should a Penrose drain be used? Answer: After the
anastomosis and irrigation has taken place.
,◉ Why are Bakes dilators typically not used during open
hemicolectomies? Answer: They are not commonly required in that
procedure.
◉ Where should heavy packs be placed in a gravity-displaced steam
sterilizer? Answer: At the periphery of the load, where steam enters
the chamber.
◉ What is the appropriate placement for basins, linen packs, jars, or
cups in a sterilizer? Answer: They should be placed on their sides.
◉ Why is it inappropriate to place heavy items on the top rack of a
sterilizer? Answer: They may fall and damage lower instruments.
◉ What happens if instruments are centered on the middle rack of a
sterilizer? Answer: They may not be properly sterilized.
◉ What is the role of Allis forceps during anastomosis? Answer:
They hold onto a tubular structure that has been severed and is
ready for anastomosis.
◉ What is the primary function of the Baron suction tip? Answer: To
suction fluids in ear procedures.
, ◉ What is the significance of using biological indicators in
sterilization? Answer: They provide a reliable method to confirm the
effectiveness of sterilization processes.
◉ What is the main concern when loading items in a gravity-
displaced steam sterilizer? Answer: Ensuring proper placement to
allow steam circulation for effective sterilization.
◉ What is the consequence of placing heavy packs in the center of
the sterilizer? Answer: Instruments may not be properly sterilized
due to inadequate steam penetration.
◉ What type of procedures utilize a Richardson retractor? Answer:
It is used in procedures that do not come in contact with
contaminated areas.
◉ What should basins, linen packs, jars, cups, or other containers be
placed on? Answer: Their sides.
◉ Why is it inappropriate to place heavy items on the top rack in a
surgical setting? Answer: They may fall and damage lower
instruments.
◉ Why is centering instruments on the middle rack inappropriate?
Answer: Instruments may not be properly sterilized.
SELF-ASSESSMENT A AND B EXAMINATION
TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A+
2026
◉ What is the limitation of heat-sensitive tape in sterilization?
Answer: Heat-sensitive tape alone cannot check the effectiveness of
sterilization.
◉ What is a biological indicator in sterilization? Answer: A test using
living spores resistant to heat; it is the best method to check
effectiveness of sterilization.
◉ Which instrument is used in otorhinolaryngology surgery?
Answer: Baron suction tip, which is very small and used for ear
procedures.
◉ What is the use of a Heaney instrument? Answer: It is used in
gynecological procedures.
◉ What type of procedures is a Doyen instrument used for? Answer:
Gastrointestinal procedures.
,◉ Why is a Poole suction tip not used in otorhinolaryngology?
Answer: It is much too large and is primarily used in abdominal
procedures.
◉ Which organization regulates the production of biological
sterilization test packs in-house? Answer: Association for the
Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
◉ What does the CDC regulate? Answer: The control of diseases.
◉ What does ANSI regulate? Answer: Healthcare and other
standards.
◉ What is the purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)? Answer: They
describe how to store chemicals and clean up chemical spills.
◉ What instrument is most likely to be placed on a second mayo
stand during an open hemicolectomy? Answer: Allis forceps, as they
would be used at the start of anastomosis.
◉ When should a Penrose drain be used? Answer: After the
anastomosis and irrigation has taken place.
,◉ Why are Bakes dilators typically not used during open
hemicolectomies? Answer: They are not commonly required in that
procedure.
◉ Where should heavy packs be placed in a gravity-displaced steam
sterilizer? Answer: At the periphery of the load, where steam enters
the chamber.
◉ What is the appropriate placement for basins, linen packs, jars, or
cups in a sterilizer? Answer: They should be placed on their sides.
◉ Why is it inappropriate to place heavy items on the top rack of a
sterilizer? Answer: They may fall and damage lower instruments.
◉ What happens if instruments are centered on the middle rack of a
sterilizer? Answer: They may not be properly sterilized.
◉ What is the role of Allis forceps during anastomosis? Answer:
They hold onto a tubular structure that has been severed and is
ready for anastomosis.
◉ What is the primary function of the Baron suction tip? Answer: To
suction fluids in ear procedures.
, ◉ What is the significance of using biological indicators in
sterilization? Answer: They provide a reliable method to confirm the
effectiveness of sterilization processes.
◉ What is the main concern when loading items in a gravity-
displaced steam sterilizer? Answer: Ensuring proper placement to
allow steam circulation for effective sterilization.
◉ What is the consequence of placing heavy packs in the center of
the sterilizer? Answer: Instruments may not be properly sterilized
due to inadequate steam penetration.
◉ What type of procedures utilize a Richardson retractor? Answer:
It is used in procedures that do not come in contact with
contaminated areas.
◉ What should basins, linen packs, jars, cups, or other containers be
placed on? Answer: Their sides.
◉ Why is it inappropriate to place heavy items on the top rack in a
surgical setting? Answer: They may fall and damage lower
instruments.
◉ Why is centering instruments on the middle rack inappropriate?
Answer: Instruments may not be properly sterilized.
