IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 15 Low-Temperature Sterilization

Last Updated on August 5, 2024

HSPA [Formerly IAHCSMM] CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 15 Low-Temperature Sterilization (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) Practice Test. Chapter 15 primarily focuses on the details of various low-temperature sterilization methods, emphasizing their advantages, limitations, and specific operational procedures.

The chapter introduces the need for sterilizer performance monitoring and stresses the importance of physical, chemical, and biological indicators to assess the effectiveness of sterilization, particularly the O3 (ozone) sterilization process.

The chapter also elucidates how sterilizer chambers should be carefully managed to avoid overloading and potential sterilization failure. Biological indicators containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highlighted as a critical part of monitoring the sterilization process.

IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 15

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CRCST Practice Test Chapter 15

CRCST Practice Test
Chapter 15
Total Items: 30
Time Limit: N/A
Multiple Choice Quiz

1 / 30

Which one of the following cannot be processed in the O3 sterilization process?

A) Stainless steel

B) Natural rubber latex

C) Polypropylene

D) Surgical instruments

2 / 30

In which conditions could hydrogen peroxide be harmful?

A) At levels greater than 1 ppm time-weighted average

B) At any level

C) At levels greater than 0.1 ppm time-weighted average

D) At levels greater than 10 ppm time-weighted average

3 / 30

Which microorganism is used in the biological indicators for the O3 sterilization process?

A) Escherichia coli

B) Staphylococcus aureus

C) Geobacillus stearothermophilus

D) Bacillus subtilis

4 / 30

What could happen if the sterilizer chambers are overloaded during the ozone (O3) sterilization process?

A) The sterilizer chambers could explode

B) The sterilization process could fail

C) The sterilization process could take longer

D) The sterilizer chambers could corrode

5 / 30

Which of the following are commonly used low temperature sterilization methods?

(A) Ethylene oxide

(B) Hydrogen peroxide

(D) All of the above

6 / 30

Which of the following materials should NOT be used for packaging instruments for ETO sterilization?

(A) Aluminum Foil

(B) Polypropylene

(D) Approved Fabric Wrappers

7 / 30

Why is the Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma method popular in sterilization?

(A) It requires lengthy aeration time

(B) It is slower than other methods

(D) It offers safety relative to ETO and rapid cycle times

8 / 30

What is the method used for sterilization in hydrogen peroxide systems?

(A) Oxidation of key cellular components

(B) Use of high-temperature steam

(D) Using high levels of radiation

9 / 30

Which monitors should be included in the ETO sterilizer performance?

(A) Physical monitors only

(B) Chemical monitors only

(B) Biological monitors only

(D) Physical, chemical, and biological monitors

10 / 30

What is the purpose of aeration in the ETO sterilization process?

(A) To remove ETO residual gases from instruments and packaging

(B) To increase the temperature of the sterilizer

(D) To load the sterilizer with ETO

11 / 30

What factors should be considered when loading an ETO sterilizer?

(A) Load humidification and air removal

(B) Contact with chamber walls and stacking package

(D) All of the above

12 / 30

What type of materials are compatible with Ethylene Oxide (ETO) sterilization?

(A) Aluminum foil and cellophane

(B) Paper, plastic, and Tyvek-filled pouches

(D) Polyester and nylon films

13 / 30

What precautionary measure should be taken for ETO sterilizers due to its toxic nature?

(A) They should be located in a well-ventilated area with a room air exchange rate of at least 10 changes per hour.

(B) They should be installed in positive pressure rooms.

(D) They do not need any special precautions.

14 / 30

The sterilant and sterilization technology is rigorously tested against a broad range of microorganisms by which entity?

(A) The CDC

(B) OSHA

(D) None of the above

15 / 30

How long is the sterilization cycle for O3 sterilization?

A) 2 hours

B) 4.5 hours

C) 6 hours

D) 8 hours

16 / 30

What types of materials cannot be processed in the VHP system?

A) Stainless steel

B) Liquids, linens, powders, and cellulose material

C) Polypropylene

D) Telescope cameras

17 / 30

How is ozone (O3) sterilization completed?

A) By injection of ozone directly onto the device

B) Through oxidation of proteins and enzymes in the organism

C) By penetrating the organism with high heat

D) By exposing the organism to ultraviolet light

18 / 30

Which of the following is the microorganism of choice for biological indicators used in VHP sterilization?

A) Bacillus subtilis

B) Geobacillus stearothermophilus

C) Escherichia coli

D) Staphylococcus aureus

19 / 30

What is the sterilization method that utilizes vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP)?

A) Autoclaving

B) Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)

C) Dry heat

D) Low temperature sterilization

20 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a basic requirement for a low temperature sterilization system?

(A) Safety

(B) Efficacy

(D) Adaptability

21 / 30

What must a low-temperature sterilization system satisfy in order to be effective in a healthcare environment?

(A) Penetration quality assurance

(B) Exposure monitoring ability

(D) All of the above

22 / 30

Ethylene oxide is used in sterilization because:

(A) It's effective against a wide range of pathogens

(B) It's not harmful to humans

(D) It doesn't require any exposure monitoring

23 / 30

Which organization has established permissible exposure limits for low-temperature sterilants?

(A) The FDA

(B) OSHA

(D) All of the above

24 / 30

What is Sterility Assurance Levels (SAL)?

(A) The probability of a viable microorganism being present on a product's unit after sterilization

(B) The level of assurance that sterilization will be successful

(D) None of the above

25 / 30

What should there be none of on the package or device upon completion of sterilization cycle?

(A) Sterilant residuals

(B) Toxic residuals

(D) Air residuals

26 / 30

What is the TWA, as mentioned in the context of sterilization methods?

A) Total Weight Average

B) Time-Weighted Average

C) Total Width Average

D) Time-Width Average

27 / 30

What is one of the responsibilities of sterilization professionals?

(A) To understand when and how safely use the low temperature sterilization methods that are available

(B) To ensure the sterility of all the instruments before the process

(D) All of the above

28 / 30

What is the role of the aeration phase in the ETO sterilization process?

(A) Circulate warm air through the chamber to remove residuals from instruments

(B) Sterilize the instruments with ethylene oxide

(D) Check for any sterilization errors

29 / 30

Which of the following is NOT compatible with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization?

(A) Stainless steel instruments

(B) Single-channel flexible endoscopes

(D) Power drills

30 / 30

How should the chamber of a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer be loaded for effective sterilization?

(A) Overloaded to ensure sterilization of all surfaces

(B) Only halfway filled to allow for proper ventilation

(D) Underloaded to minimize potential equipment damage

Your score is

See also:

CRCST Practice Test 2024 (UPDATED ALL CHAPTERS)

This chapter discusses the main sterilization methods: 100% Ethylene Oxide (EtO), Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma, Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide, and Ozone (O3). Each method’s advantages and limitations are outlined in detail, with aspects such as environmental safety, compatibility with medical devices, process time, and potential health risks being the main discussion points.