CIS Storage and Distribution of Sterile Instruments 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of event-related sterility in instrument storage?
- Sterility is maintained until the package is opened or compromised (Correct answer)
- Sterility expires after a fixed number of days regardless of packaging
- Sterility depends only on the temperature of the storage area
- Sterility is guaranteed by the type of sterilizer used
Correct answer: Sterility is maintained until the package is opened or compromised
Event-related sterility means a package remains sterile until a physical event—such as opening, tearing, or moisture exposure—compromises the integrity of the packaging.
Question 2: Which environmental condition is MOST critical to maintain in a sterile storage area?
- Controlled temperature and humidity with positive-pressure ventilation (Correct answer)
- Maximum lighting to allow easy visual inspection
- High humidity to prevent static buildup on packaging
- Negative air pressure to prevent outside contaminants from entering
Correct answer: Controlled temperature and humidity with positive-pressure ventilation
Sterile storage areas require controlled temperature (65–72°F), relative humidity (35–60%), and positive air pressure to minimize microbial contamination.
Question 3: A sterile package is found with a torn corner on the outer wrap. What is the correct action?
- Remove it from circulation and reprocess the item (Correct answer)
- Re-wrap the outer layer and return it to the shelf
- Inspect the inner wrap; if intact, the item is still sterile
- Use it immediately since only the outer wrap is affected
Correct answer: Remove it from circulation and reprocess the item
Any compromise to packaging integrity—including a torn corner—means the item can no longer be considered sterile and must be removed and reprocessed.
Question 4: How should sterile instrument sets be positioned on storage shelves?
- Stored in a single layer with sets not stacked on top of each other (Correct answer)
- Stacked as high as needed to maximize shelf space
- Placed on the floor if shelves are full
- Hung vertically from hooks to save horizontal space
Correct answer: Stored in a single layer with sets not stacked on top of each other
Sterile sets should be stored in a single layer to prevent compression damage to packaging and to allow proper air circulation around each package.
Question 5: What is the recommended minimum distance sterile packages should be stored from the floor?
- 8–10 inches (Correct answer)
- 2–3 inches
- 18–24 inches
- At least 36 inches
Correct answer: 8–10 inches
AAMI and IAHCSMM guidelines recommend sterile packages be stored at least 8–10 inches off the floor to reduce contamination risk from floor cleaning activities.
Question 6: Which FIFO principle applies to the rotation of sterile instrument inventory?
- First In, First Out — oldest stock is used before newer stock (Correct answer)
- First In, First Out — newest stock is used first to minimize handling
- Last In, First Out — newest stock is placed in front for quick access
- Last In, First Out — reduces the need to move older packages
Correct answer: First In, First Out — oldest stock is used before newer stock
FIFO (First In, First Out) ensures that the oldest sterilized items are distributed first, supporting event-related sterility management and preventing prolonged shelf storage.
CIS Storage and Distribution of Sterile Instruments 1
What is the primary purpose of event-related sterility in instrument storage?