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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Sterile Processing Exam: Sterilization Policies & Protocols

Quick, free central sterile quiz to check your protocol knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Evie MunierUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art of gloves instruments vials and syringes around question marks on coral background for sterile processing quiz

This quiz helps you check your understanding of sterilization policies and safe sterile processing. For targeted review, try the central sterile quiz, explore the steam sterilization quiz, or build core skills with the CRCST cleaning and decontamination quiz. You will get instant feedback and simple explanations to guide steady improvement.

What is the primary purpose of sterilization in sterile processing?
To make packaging waterproof
To kill microorganisms, including bacterial spores
To ensure instruments are lubricated
To remove visible soil and debris
Sterilization is intended to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, to ensure patient safety. Removal of soil is part of cleaning, not sterilization. Lubrication is a maintenance step that follows decontamination. Proper packaging supports sterility assurance but isn’t the primary goal of sterilization.
Which color change on process indicator tape indicates that a package has been processed in a steam sterilizer?
Blue to green
Yellow to white
Green to yellow
White stripes turning black
Process indicator tape designed for steam sterilization has stripes that turn from white to black when the correct temperature and steam conditions are achieved. Other color shifts are associated with different sterilants or are incorrect. This visible change confirms that the load was exposed to the sterilization parameters.
Which type of cleaning agent is most effective at breaking down protein-based soils on surgical instruments?
Enzymatic detergent
Phenolic disinfectant
Neutral pH detergent
Abrasive cleaner
Enzymatic detergents contain proteases that specifically break down protein soils, making them highly effective in pre-cleaning instruments. Neutral pH detergents may not target proteins as efficiently. Abrasive cleaners can damage delicate instrument surfaces. Phenolic disinfectants are designed to kill microbes, not to remove soils.
What type of water is recommended for steam sterilizer operation to prevent scale buildup and corrosion?
Hard well water
Distilled or deionized water
Softened water
Tap water
Distilled or deionized water is recommended for steam sterilizers because it has low mineral content, preventing scale buildup and corrosion inside the chamber. Tap, softened, or hard well water contains minerals that can accumulate and damage the sterilizer. Using the correct water type extends equipment life and maintains sterilization efficacy.
Which of the following is the first step in the decontamination process for surgical instruments?
Inspecting instruments for damage
Rinsing instruments with water
Donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Packaging instruments for sterilization
The first step in decontamination is to don appropriate PPE to protect staff from exposure to potentially infectious materials. Rinsing, inspection, and packaging occur later in the cleaning, inspection, and sterilization stages, respectively. Proper PPE reduces the risk of injury and pathogen transmission.
Which sterilization method relies on vaporized hydrogen peroxide in a low-temperature cycle?
Peracetic acid immersion
Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
Formaldehyde vapor
Ethylene oxide
Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma systems use vaporized hydrogen peroxide in a low-temperature cycle to sterilize heat- and moisture-sensitive devices. Ethylene oxide also operates at low temperature but uses EO gas. Peracetic acid is a liquid immersion process, and formaldehyde vapor is a different gas-based sterilant.
Which biological indicator organism is used to verify steam sterilization efficacy?
Bacillus subtilis
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Bacillus atrophaeus
Clostridium sporogenes
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the most heat-resistant biological indicators for steam sterilization and are used to validate steam cycles. Bacillus atrophaeus is used for dry heat and ethylene oxide processes. Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes are used in other sterilization and disinfection validations.
What is the recommended maximum load weight for a standard tabletop steam sterilizer?
10 pounds
25 pounds
50 pounds
100 pounds
Manufacturer guidelines typically limit a tabletop steam sterilizer load to 25 pounds to ensure adequate steam penetration and proper sterilization. Overloading may prevent steam from reaching all surfaces. Always consult the equipment manual for specific load capacities.
According to AAMI standards, what is the maximum recommended number of wrapping layers for steam sterilization packaging?
Two layers
Four layers
Three layers
One layer
AAMI ST79 recommends no more than two layers of wrapping for steam sterilization to ensure adequate steam penetration and drying. Excessive layers can trap air and moisture, compromising sterility. Proper wrapping technique is critical for process success.
What is the shelf life of a properly sterilized and stored package with intact packaging?
1 year
30 days
6 months
Indefinite, if the packaging integrity is maintained
Sterilized packages have an indefinite shelf life as long as the packaging remains intact, dry, and undamaged, according to AAMI and CDC guidance. Time-based expiration dates are not required unless specified by facility policy. Integrity checks are essential before use.
If a chemical indicator inside a package fails to change color after steam sterilization, what is the appropriate action?
Send the package to surgery for immediate use
Ignore it since biological indicators are the only requirement
Use the instruments and record the deviation
Reprocess the package and check sterilizer function
A failed chemical indicator suggests the package did not meet sterilization parameters and must be reprocessed. Ignoring it or using instruments could risk patient safety. Biological indicators complement but do not replace chemical indicators inside each load. Equipment function should be verified before reprocessing.
Immediate use steam sterilization (flash) is intended primarily for which scenario?
High-volume manufacturing
Routine daily processing
Long-term storage of instruments
Emergency situations in the operating room
Immediate use steam sterilization, or flash sterilization, is reserved for urgent or emergency situations in the OR when a delay in instrument availability would compromise patient care. It is not intended for routine or long-term processing due to reduced packaging and monitoring.
What is the standard gravity displacement cycle time and temperature for sterilizing wrapped goods in a steam sterilizer?
4 minutes at 132°C
10 minutes at 121°C
16 minutes at 134°C
27 minutes at 121°C
The standard gravity displacement cycle for wrapped goods typically runs at 121°C for 27 minutes to ensure effective steam penetration and sterilization. Higher temperatures and shorter times apply to pre-vacuum cycles. Always follow equipment validation data.
Which sterilization parameters are recommended for prion decontamination of surgical instruments?
132°C for 4 minutes
132°C for 20 minutes
121°C for 27 minutes
134°C for 18 minutes
Prion decontamination requires more stringent steam parameters; many guidelines recommend 134°C for 18 minutes in a pre-vacuum sterilizer to inactivate prion proteins. Standard cycles at lower temperatures or shorter durations are not sufficient for prion elimination.
How often should biological indicators be used for routine monitoring of a steam sterilizer?
Weekly
Per load
Daily
Monthly
AAMI and CDC recommend using a biological indicator at least weekly for each sterilizer to validate the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Per-load testing is impractical and monthly is not frequent enough to ensure ongoing performance. Daily chemical indicators complement weekly BI testing.
What is the required pore size for filters in rigid sterilization container systems to maintain sterility?
0.22 microns
0.8 microns
0.1 microns
0.45 microns
Rigid container systems require 0.22 micron filters to prevent microbial ingress while allowing air removal and steam penetration. Filters larger than 0.22 microns may allow bacteria to pass, and smaller pores impede steam transmission. Proper filter integrity is crucial for sterility assurance.
What is the minimum recommended contact time for high-level disinfectants in automated endoscope reprocessors (AER) for flexible endoscopes?
45 minutes
90 minutes
5 minutes
20 minutes
Most AAMI and manufacturer instructions specify a minimum 20-minute contact time for high-level disinfectants in automated endoscope reprocessors at specified temperatures to ensure pathogen elimination. Shorter times may not achieve high-level disinfection, and longer times are not typically required.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Sterilization Protocols -

    Master the core principles of sterilization protocols to guarantee effective instrument decontamination in healthcare environments. This foundation enhances your preparation for the sterile processing quiz.

  2. Apply Infection Control Measures -

    Implement evidence-based infection control measures to minimize contamination risks during sterile processing. These practices are vital for success in the infection control quiz and real-world scenarios.

  3. Evaluate Center Policies -

    Critically assess sterilization center policies to confirm compliance with industry regulations. This skill helps you identify policy gaps and reinforces quality assurance throughout the sterile processing workflow.

  4. Identify Contamination Risks -

    Detect common contamination sources and procedural errors that can compromise instrument sterility. Recognizing these risks boosts your performance on the medical sterilization test and in practical settings.

  5. Interpret ProProfs Sterile Processing Results -

    Analyze your ProProfs sterile processing quiz outcomes to pinpoint strengths and areas for growth. Leveraging this feedback enhances your expertise and confidence in sterile processing.

  6. Enhance Best Practices -

    Incorporate advanced sterile processing techniques and industry guidelines into daily operations to achieve consistent quality. Embracing continuous improvement ensures readiness for future infection control challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Steam Sterilization Parameters -

    Steam sterilization at 121°C (250°F) with 15 psi for a minimum of 15 minutes follows CDC and AAMI guidelines to ensure microbial kill. Remember the "Three Ps" mnemonic - Pressure, Temperature, Time - to confirm cycles meet standardized sterilization protocols. Integrate these parameters in your SPD routine to nail the ProProfs sterile processing quiz.

  2. Chemical Sterilants and Compatibility -

    Select appropriate high-level disinfectants like glutaraldehyde or hydrogen peroxide based on device materials and manufacturer instructions. The mnemonic "C-Time" (Concentration and Time) helps recall that both factors must be optimized to achieve biocidal efficacy as outlined by FDA recommendations. Cross-check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to prevent device damage and ensure safety during your sterilization protocols.

  3. Instrument Decontamination Workflow -

    Follow a unidirectional flow from dirty to clean to sterile areas to minimize cross-contamination, as recommended by the Joint Commission. Use ultrasonic cleaners and washer-disinfectors per manufacturer's instructions to remove bioburden before sterilization. For a quick memory aid, "D-U-S" stands for Decontamination, Ultrasonic, Sterilization - your checkpoint for a perfect infection control quiz score.

  4. Indicators and Biological Monitoring -

    Utilize chemical indicators (Class 1 - 6) inside all instrument packs and follow up with weekly biological indicators (spore tests) for routine quality assurance. The phrase "CHEQ" (Chemical Indicator, Heat, Exposure, Quality) can help you remember necessary checks for each sterilization cycle. Logs should be meticulously maintained to validate your sterilization center policies and ace your sterile processing quiz questions.

  5. Infection Control and Cross-Contamination Prevention -

    Strict adherence to PPE, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning protocols reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in SPD settings. The "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene" (WHO) framework ensures comprehensive coverage before and after critical tasks. Incorporate these guidelines into your daily routine to demonstrate proficiency in your medical sterilization test.

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