CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Storage and Distribution of Surgical Instruments Questions and Answers Flashcards

When inspecting a sterile package before dispensing it to the OR, which finding would require the set to be reprocessed?

Answer: A torn corner of the outer wrap

Any breach in the packaging barrier, such as a torn corner, compromises sterility and requires the item to be reprocessed before use.

What information must be included on the label of a sterilized instrument set?

Answer: Load number, sterilizer ID, date, and cycle parameters

Labels must include the load number, sterilizer ID, processing date, and cycle parameters to allow full traceability and recall capability if needed.

Which type of shelving is preferred for sterile storage because it allows air circulation and easy visual inspection?

Answer: Wire or open-grid shelving

Wire or open-grid shelving promotes air circulation, reduces moisture buildup, and allows staff to visually inspect packages from multiple angles without handling them.

How far from an outside wall should sterile items be stored to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations?

Answer: 6 inches

Storing sterile items at least 6 inches from outside walls protects them from temperature extremes and condensation that can form on exterior walls.

What is the purpose of the instrument tracking number or barcode applied to each sterilized set?

Answer: To enable lot traceability and recall in case of sterilization failure

Tracking numbers enable the facility to trace every sterilized set to its specific load, allowing rapid identification and recall of potentially non-sterile items.

Which action is correct when a sterile package is found to be wet after steam sterilization?

Answer: Record the wet pack and reprocess the entire load

Wet packs indicate a sterilization failure event; moisture compromises the sterile barrier and necessitates reprocessing the entire load and investigating the cause.