CIS Practice Test: Check Your Instrument Specialist Knowledge
Quick, free quiz with CIS exam questions. Instant results.
This CIS practice test helps you check your skills in sterilization, cleaning, and instrument care. Answer exam-style questions to find gaps and build confidence. If you're also studying sterile processing or the OR, try the crcst practice test and the surgical tech practice test for more focused practice.
Study Outcomes
- Understand Sterilization Principles -
Grasp core methods and monitoring indicators to ensure effective sterilization per CIS practice test standards.
- Apply Cleaning and Decontamination Techniques -
Execute appropriate cleaning protocols for various instruments to meet instrument specialist certification requirements.
- Differentiate Instrument Types and Care Procedures -
Distinguish between instrument materials and handle instruments correctly to maintain functionality and safety.
- Analyze Certified Instrument Specialist Practice Test Scenarios -
Interpret typical CIS test questions to recognize correct responses and strengthen exam readiness.
- Evaluate Sterilization Indicators and Quality Control -
Assess chemical, biological, and mechanical indicators to confirm sterilization success during your CIS practice exam.
- Identify and Correct Reprocessing Errors -
Spot common instrument processing mistakes and apply corrective measures to enhance compliance and performance.
Cheat Sheet
- Autoclave Sterilization Parameters -
To ace your cis practice test, review standard gravity displacement cycles at 121°C (250°F) for 15 minutes or high-temperature prevacuum cycles at 132°C (270°F) for 4 minutes, ensuring 15 psi for adequate microbial kill (AAMI ST79 guidance). Remember the mnemonic "121 - 15 - 15" (°C - minutes - psi) to lock in primary settings. Test daily with a Bowie-Dick test to detect air leaks and inadequate steam penetration (CDC Sterilization Guidelines).
- Chemical Sterilant Principles -
Understand high-level liquid sterilants like glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide solutions, with exposure times ranging from 12 - 30 minutes at 25°C (Rutala et al., CDC). Use chemical indicators (Class 1 process indicators and Class 5 integrating indicators) to confirm sterilant penetration. Mnemonic "GHP" (Glutaraldehyde, Hydrogen peroxide, Peracetic acid) helps recall primary chemistries.
- Cleaning and Decontamination Process -
Master the three-step cleaning workflow: presoaking, manual or ultrasonic cleaning, and thorough rinsing, as outlined by ANSI/AAMI ST79. Enzymatic detergents break down soils; check for residual protein with an ATP bioluminescence test (ISO 15883-5). Always follow manufacturer instructions for detergent concentration and contact time to avoid instrument damage.
- Packaging and Storage Best Practices -
Follow package integrity guidelines using FDA-cleared wrappers, rigid containers, or peel pouches, verifying filter integrity and seal strength (AAMI TIR12). Label packs with sterilization date, cycle parameters, and operator initials, employing first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation for stock management. Store in a clean, dry environment at controlled temperature to maintain sterility until point of use.
- Quality Assurance and Monitoring -
Implement mechanical, chemical, and biological monitoring in every sterilization cycle: record time, temperature, and pressure gauges, use Class 5 integrating indicators inside packs, and run weekly biological indicators with Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (AAMI ST79). Maintain logs and corrective action records to comply with Joint Commission and CDC standards. Establish a routine review protocol to identify trends and ensure continuous process improvement.