Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test
← All CST Flashcard Decks

Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization Flashcards

7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Surgical Asepsis & Sterilization flashcards as text

  1. Which type of wrapping material provides the best barrier against microbial penetration while allowing steam penetration?

    Answer: Polypropylene non-woven fabric (SMS)

    SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) polypropylene non-woven fabric provides superior microbial barrier while allowing steam penetration for sterilization.

  2. A sterile item falls below table level during a procedure. The correct action is to:

    Answer: Consider it contaminated and remove it from the sterile field

    Any item that falls below table level is considered contaminated and must be removed from the sterile field regardless of distance fallen.

  3. The recommended maximum temperature for storing sterile packages in a sterile storage room is:

    Answer: 75°F (24°C)

    AAMI recommends sterile storage areas be maintained at or below 75°F (24°C) with controlled humidity to preserve package integrity.

  4. When performing a surgical hand scrub, the scrubbing sequence should proceed:

    Answer: From fingertips to 2 inches above the elbow

    The surgical hand scrub proceeds from the most contaminated to least contaminated areas — fingertips first, then hands, then forearms up to 2 inches above the elbow.

  5. Which of the following items is classified as a critical item by the Spaulding classification system?

    Answer: Surgical implant

    Critical items (e.g., surgical implants) enter sterile tissue and carry the highest infection risk, requiring sterilization.

  6. What is the purpose of the decontamination area in the sterile processing department?

    Answer: To receive, sort, and clean soiled instruments before sterilization

    The decontamination area is where soiled instruments are received, sorted, and cleaned to remove bioburden before packaging and sterilization.

  7. Which condition would cause a prevacuum steam sterilizer to FAIL a Bowie-Dick test?

    Answer: Residual air in the chamber preventing uniform steam penetration

    The Bowie-Dick test detects inadequate air removal; residual air pockets cause uneven indicator color change, indicating sterilizer failure.