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

Sterilization & Infection Control 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 Sterilization & Infection Control flashcards as text

  1. Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS), formerly called 'flash sterilization,' should be performed:

    Answer: Only as a last resort when no other option exists for an urgently needed item

    IUSS should be reserved for emergency situations when no other sterile option is available, not as a routine time-saving shortcut.

  2. What is the minimum exposure time for a gravity displacement steam sterilizer operating at 250°F (121°C) for a wrapped instrument set?

    Answer: 30 minutes

    Wrapped instrument sets in a gravity displacement cycle at 121°C require a minimum of 30 minutes exposure time.

  3. The Spaulding classification system categorizes medical devices based on:

    Answer: The risk of infection associated with their intended use

    The Spaulding classification (critical, semi-critical, non-critical) categorizes devices by infection risk related to their intended use site.

  4. Which action by the surgical technologist maintains sterility when opening a sterile peel-pack onto the sterile field?

    Answer: Dropping the item onto the field after peeling the package open away from the body

    The circulator peels the package apart and flips or drops the sterile item onto the sterile field without reaching over it.

  5. Chemical class indicators (Class 2 indicators) such as the Bowie-Dick test are used to:

    Answer: Verify steam penetration in dynamic-air-removal sterilizers

    The Bowie-Dick test (a Class 2 indicator) specifically verifies adequate air removal and steam penetration in prevacuum sterilizers.

  6. An event-related sterility maintenance policy means that a sterilized item remains sterile until:

    Answer: The package is compromised by an event such as wetting, tearing, or puncture

    Event-related sterility holds that sterility is maintained indefinitely as long as the packaging integrity is not compromised.

  7. During decontamination, instruments with box locks and hinges should be processed:

    Answer: In the open position to allow cleaning of all surfaces

    Hinged instruments must be opened during decontamination so all surfaces, especially in the box lock area, are accessible to cleaning agents.