CRCST Microbiology and Infection Control Flashcards
6 cards from real CRCST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CRCST Microbiology and Infection Control flashcards as text
Which type of microorganism is the MOST resistant to standard sterilization methods?
Answer: Bacterial spores
Bacterial spores (e.g., Clostridium and Bacillus species) are the most resistant microorganisms and are used as biological indicators to validate sterilization.
What is the Spaulding Classification used for in central service?
Answer: Categorizing medical devices by the level of disinfection or sterilization required
The Spaulding Classification system categorizes devices as critical, semi-critical, or non-critical to guide the appropriate level of reprocessing required.
Which Spaulding category applies to instruments that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system?
Answer: Critical
Critical items contact sterile body tissues or the vascular system and must be sterilized, as any microbial contamination poses a high infection risk.
What is the correct term for killing all microorganisms including bacterial spores on inanimate objects?
Answer: Sterilization
Sterilization is the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores, on inanimate objects.
Which organism is used as the biological indicator (BI) for steam sterilization?
Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam (autoclave) sterilization because of their high heat resistance.
What is the Chain of Infection, and why is it important in CS?
Answer: The sequence of elements required for an infection to spread, which CS interrupts by reprocessing instruments
The Chain of Infection describes the path an infection follows from reservoir to host; CS technicians interrupt this chain by decontaminating and sterilizing instruments.