Evaluation Summary Flashcards
7 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 7 Evaluation Summary flashcards as text
During a post-sterilization evaluation, a CS technician finds that a biological indicator (BI) test vial has turned yellow. What does this result indicate?
Answer: The sterilization process failed and the load must be recalled
A yellow color change in a BI vial (positive result) indicates spore growth, meaning sterilization failed and the load must be recalled.
Which document is most essential for tracking a specific instrument set through the entire sterilization process for traceability?
Answer: Sterilization load record or log
The sterilization load record documents cycle parameters, load contents, and BI results, enabling full traceability of each instrument set.
A CS technician is evaluating wrapped instrument trays after steam sterilization and notices the external chemical indicator (CI) has not changed color. What is the correct action?
Answer: Do not release the tray and investigate the sterilizer
An unchanged external CI means the package may not have been exposed to proper sterilization conditions; the load should be withheld and the sterilizer investigated.
What is the primary purpose of conducting a Bowie-Dick test in a pre-vacuum steam sterilizer?
Answer: To test the sterilizer's air removal and steam penetration capability
The Bowie-Dick test evaluates the sterilizer's ability to remove air and allow uniform steam penetration, not instrument sterility.
After completing a sterilization cycle, the printout shows the temperature reached 270°F (132°C) but the exposure time was only 2 minutes for a gravity cycle. How should the CS technician evaluate this load?
Answer: Reject the load because the exposure time was insufficient for a gravity cycle
Gravity displacement cycles at 132°C require a minimum of 4 minutes exposure time; 2 minutes is insufficient and the load must be rejected.
Which of the following best describes the role of an internal chemical indicator (CI) placed inside an instrument set?
Answer: It confirms that sterilization conditions reached the interior of the pack
An internal CI confirms that sterilizing conditions (steam, heat, or gas) penetrated to the inside of the pack, but does not confirm sterility.
When evaluating sterile storage conditions, which environmental factor must be monitored to ensure package integrity is maintained?
Answer: Temperature and relative humidity levels
Temperature and relative humidity must be controlled in sterile storage to prevent condensation and package degradation that could compromise sterility.