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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Sterile Processing Quiz: CRCST Safety and Risk

Quick, free CRCST practice test for safety skills. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Shershies Jersy ElopreUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut style surgical tools safety symbols risk charts teal backdrop promoting CRCST sterile processing quiz

This sterile processing quiz helps you check CRCST safety and risk decisions you make in SPD, with instant results to spot weak areas. Build confidence, then drill deeper with a crcst practice test, focus on sharps handling with a sharps safety quiz, or review disposal rules in a medical waste management quiz.

Which PPE item protects the eyes and other mucous membranes from splashes during decontamination tasks?
Shoe covers
Hair cover
Gown
Face/eye protection (goggles or face shield)
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A Bowie-Dick test is specifically used to confirm effective air removal and steam penetration in a pre-vacuum sterilizer before routine loads are run.
False
True
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What is the primary purpose of point-of-use precleaning by clinical staff before transport to SPD?
To keep soils moist and prevent biofilm formation - Explanation: Moistening and removing gross soil reduces bioburden and prevents biofilm that resists later cleaning.
To sterilize the instrument at the bedside
To label instruments with the patient name
To reduce the need for ultrasonic cleaning
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Enzymatic detergent used in the decontamination sink is formulated primarily to break down which soils?
Mineral scale and rust
Silicone residues
Lubricants and oils only
Organic soils such as blood and tissue - Explanation: Enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase) target proteins, fats, and starches found in clinical soils.
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Sterile storage should be maintained within recommended temperature and relative humidity ranges to preserve package integrity.
True
False
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Transport of contaminated instruments from the OR to SPD must occur in a closed, leak-proof, and labeled container.
False
True
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Which indicator class provides a result that correlates most closely with achieving all critical sterilization parameters for a given cycle?
Class 3 single-parameter indicator
Class 1 process indicator (e.g., tape)
Class 2 specialty test (e.g., Bowie-Dick)
Class 5 integrating indicator - Explanation: Class 5 integrates multiple critical parameters, correlating closely with BI performance.
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In steam sterilization, a biological indicator is placed in the load primarily to challenge the process with a known resistant organism.
False
True
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Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) should be used as a routine method to maintain surgical schedule efficiency.
False
True
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What is the correct response to discovering a wet pack after steam sterilization?
Allow to air-dry in sterile storage and then use
Consider the item nonsterile; reprocess after investigating root cause - Explanation: Moisture post-sterilization compromises sterility and requires reprocessing and cause analysis.
Use the item if the internal CI has changed color
Wipe the external wrap and keep in quarantine
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When brushing lumened instruments, which practice is safest?
Skip brushing if using ultrasonic cleaning
Use metal wire to scrape lumen walls
Use any brush size that fits loosely
Use a brush that matches lumen diameter and is long enough to exit the distal end - Explanation: Properly sized, full-length brushing ensures effective contact and debris removal.
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Sharps must be disassembled and exposed points secured before transport to SPD to reduce percutaneous injury risk.
False
True
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Which action is appropriate when a biological indicator for a routine load is positive?
Re-label items with a new sterility date
Ignore if Bowie-Dick passed that day
Quarantine and recall the affected load(s), investigate, and reprocess after resolution - Explanation: A positive BI indicates possible sterilization failure requiring quarantine, investigation, and recall.
Release the load if the chemical indicator passed
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AAMI guidance requires routine cleaning and testing of ultrasonic cleaners, including foil tests or cavitation efficacy checks at defined intervals.
False
True
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It is acceptable to mix different metal types and densities in a single rigid container without considering validated cycle parameters and maximum weight.
True
False
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What is the safest approach when a device IFU conflicts with facility policy?
Follow the facility policy only
Ask a coworker and proceed
Use the quickest available method
Follow the IFU or obtain validated evidence to support an alternate process - Explanation: Manufacturer IFU dictates validated processing; deviations require validated evidence and approval.
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Which statement about EO sterilization aeration is correct?
Aeration is optional if items look dry
Aeration time and temperature are dictated by device/packaging IFU and standards - Explanation: Proper aeration removes EO residues per validated parameters.
Room-temperature storage replaces aeration
Aeration can be skipped for metal items
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Which control strategy best addresses prion contamination risk (e.g., suspected CJD instruments)?
Extended steam sterilization per policy and prion-specific decontamination measures - Explanation: Follow prion protocols with enhanced cleaning and extended high-temp steam if applicable.
Routine IUSS
Wipe with alcohol only
Standard cleaning and low-temp sterilization
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Which practice is required when releasing an implant load?
Routine release with only parameter printout
Rely on Bowie-Dick test from the morning only
Use of a BI with implant loads and holding until BI is negative, unless emergency release protocol is followed - Explanation: BI confirmation is standard for implants.
Immediate release after CI color change
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Which is the safest method to verify lumen patency after cleaning?
Skip for large-bore lumens
Assume patency if exterior is clean
Shake and listen for rattling
Use validated flow testing or borescopic inspection as applicable - Explanation: Objective verification confirms internal cleanliness and patency.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Hazards -

    Understand how to spot and categorize typical safety risks encountered in sterile processing environments.

  2. Apply Safety Protocols -

    Learn to implement CRCST-approved procedures and best practices to maintain a safe work area and prevent contamination.

  3. Analyze Risk Management Strategies -

    Evaluate and select effective risk mitigation techniques to address challenges unique to sterile processing.

  4. Interpret Compliance Standards -

    Gain clarity on key regulatory and accreditation requirements essential for CRCST certification and ongoing quality assurance.

  5. Assess Knowledge Gaps -

    Use quiz results to pinpoint areas for improvement and focus your CRCST exam prep questions more effectively.

  6. Boost Professional Confidence -

    Reinforce core principles of sterile processing certification to enhance your confidence and competence in daily operations.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Comprehensive Hazard Identification -

    Understand the four primary hazard categories - biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic - when working with contaminated instruments. Use the mnemonic "C-PEB" (Chemical, Physical, Ergonomic, Biological) and color-coded checklists to ensure no risk area is overlooked (CDC & AAMI ST79).

  2. Key Sterilization Standards -

    Memorize AAMI ST79 and ISO 17664 guidelines for steam sterilization: 121 °C for 30 minutes (gravity cycle) or 134 °C for 3 minutes (pre-vacuum cycle). Reference official cycle parameters on university or AAMI websites to solidify your sterile processing certification knowledge.

  3. PPE Protocols & Safe Handling -

    Follow OSHA and AORN-approved PPE protocols, including donning fluid-resistant gowns, puncture-resistant gloves, and eye protection when decontaminating instruments. A quick tip: always glove up before scrubbing to reduce splash-exposure risks and ace your CRCST safety quiz performance.

  4. Risk Management via FMEA -

    Apply Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) by calculating the Risk Priority Number: RPN = Severity × Occurrence × Detection. Use the "SOD" mnemonic and document high-RPN areas for targeted corrective actions, a must-know for any CRCST exam prep questions.

  5. Accurate Documentation & Compliance -

    Maintain detailed sterilization cycle logs, instrument tracking, and chemical indicator records to meet Joint Commission and FDA requirements. Label instrument sets with load numbers and dates to streamline audits and reinforce your risk management in sterile processing routine.

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