CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Preparation and Packaging Methods Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A technician is preparing an instrument set in a rigid container. According to ANSI/AAMI ST77, what is the maximum recommended weight for the container, instruments, and any accessories combined?
- 15 pounds
- 25 pounds (Correct answer)
- 35 pounds
- There is no specific weight limit.
Correct answer: 25 pounds
ANSI/AAMI ST77 sets a 25-pound limit on the weight of a containment device, its instruments, and any accessories. This is to ensure that the container can be handled safely by personnel and to facilitate proper sterilant penetration and drying.
Question 2: When arranging peel pouches in a steam sterilizer, what is the correct orientation to ensure effective sterilization?
- Stacked flat on top of each other, paper side down.
- On edge, with the paper side of one pouch facing the plastic side of the next.
- On edge, with the paper side of one pouch facing the paper side of the next. (Correct answer)
- Laid flat with at least one inch of space between them.
Correct answer: On edge, with the paper side of one pouch facing the paper side of the next.
Peel pouches should be placed on edge in a sterilizer rack. The correct orientation is paper-to-paper and plastic-to-plastic. This arrangement allows for adequate air removal, sterilant penetration, and drying.
Question 3: The concept of 'event-related sterility' is best described as:
- A package is considered sterile until a specific expiration date printed on the package.
- A package's sterility is determined by the number of times it has been handled.
- A package is considered sterile until an event occurs that compromises the integrity of the barrier. (Correct answer)
- A package must be used within 30 days of sterilization to be considered sterile.
Correct answer: A package is considered sterile until an event occurs that compromises the integrity of the barrier.
Event-related sterility is the modern standard, stating that a package remains sterile indefinitely unless an 'event' compromises the packaging barrier. Such events include tears, punctures, moisture contamination, or a broken seal.
Question 4: A surgical instrument tray is being wrapped using the sequential wrapping technique. What does this method involve?
- Using one sheet of wrap that is folded twice around the tray.
- Using two sheets of wrap and folding them around the tray at the same time.
- Using two separate sheets of wrap, applying the first wrap completely before applying the second. (Correct answer)
- Using a special double-layered sheet of wrap that is applied in a single step.
Correct answer: Using two separate sheets of wrap, applying the first wrap completely before applying the second.
Sequential wrapping involves using two individual sheets of sterilization wrap. The tray is completely wrapped with the first sheet, and then the process is repeated with the second sheet, creating a package within a package.
Question 5: Which of the following packaging materials is appropriate for use in low-temperature hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization?
- Woven textiles (muslin)
- Standard paper/plastic pouches
- Cellulose-based wrappers
- Spunbond polyolefin/plastic pouches (e.g., Tyvek) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Spunbond polyolefin/plastic pouches (e.g., Tyvek)
Hydrogen peroxide sterilization requires packaging materials that are compatible and allow penetration of the sterilant. Cellulose-based materials like paper and woven textiles absorb the sterilant and are therefore incompatible. Spunbond polyolefin (such as Tyvek) is non-cellulose and designed for use with VHP sterilizers.
Question 6: When preparing a set containing instruments with lumens, what is a critical step to ensure proper sterilization?
- Placing the instruments at the very top of the tray.
- Ensuring the lumen is completely dry before packaging.
- Attaching a special tag to identify it as a lumen instrument.
- Keeping the instruments disassembled and any stopcocks open. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Keeping the instruments disassembled and any stopcocks open.
To ensure the sterilant can contact all surfaces of a lumened instrument, it is critical that multi-part instruments are disassembled and any stopcocks or valves are in the open position, as per the manufacturer's instructions for use.
CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Preparation and Packaging Methods Questions and Answers
A technician is preparing an instrument set in a rigid container.
According to ANSI/AAMI ST77, what is the maximum recommended weight for the container, instruments, and any accessories combined?