CRCST Chapter 2 (8th Edition) Review Quiz

If you encounter damaged packaging, you should remove it from circulation and notify the supervisor.

The primary goal of medical device reprocessing is to ensure the safety of patients. Reprocessing involves cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical devices to remove any potential contaminants or pathogens that could pose a risk to patients. By properly reprocessing medical devices, healthcare facilities can minimize the chances of infections or complications that could harm patients. This goal takes precedence over other objectives such as complying with regulations, reducing costs, or maximizing efficiency, as patient safety should always be the top priority in healthcare settings.

Sterilization is the process of destroying all microbial life.

Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infection.

Specific temperatures must be obtained to ensure the microbicidal activity. The two common steam-sterilizing temperatures are 121°C (250°F) and 132°C (270°F). These temperatures (and other high temperatures)830 must be maintained for a minimal time to kill microorganisms.

In the U.S., FDA regulates the sale of medical device products. Before a medical device can be legally sold in the U.S., the person or company that wants to sell the device must seek approval from the FDA.

Sterilization involves the use of physical or chemical means to destroy all forms of microorganisms.

Steam sterilization (also called autoclaving) is conducted in an autoclave which is a container that can withstand high pressure and temperature. The autoclave is filled with the products and devices that need to be sterilized.

Before disassembling instruments for cleaning, it is important to check for manufacturer instructions because different instruments may have specific cleaning and disassembly procedures outlined by the manufacturer. Following these instructions ensures that you clean and disassemble the instruments correctly, preventing damage and maintaining their functionality. Manufacturer instructions may include specific cleaning agents to use, recommended methods for disassembly, and any precautions to take during the process.

Non-critical items should be disinfected rather than sterilized.

Instrument sets should be arranged in the sterilizer in a way that allows steam to circulate freely around each item, ensuring proper sterilization. They should not be stacked tightly or arranged haphazardly. Instruments are typically wrapped or placed in perforated trays to allow steam penetration. They should be organized to avoid contact with the sterilizer walls and to ensure that all surfaces are exposed to the sterilizing agent.

Steam autoclave allows the penetration of steam during sterilization.

Chemical indicators are used on the outside of sterilization packages to visually indicate that the package has been exposed to the sterilization process. They change color when certain conditions are met, such as exposure to a specific temperature or the presence of steam. Biological indicators, on the other hand, are used inside the sterilization chamber to test the effectiveness of the sterilization process by using microorganisms. Mechanical indicators refer to the devices that measure time, temperature, and pressure inside the sterilizer.

Mechanical washing machines should be disinfected once a month.