SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Decontamination and Cleaning Processes Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Sterile Processing technician is manually cleaning a set of surgical instruments from an orthopedic procedure.
Which of the following actions is MOST critical to perform first to ensure effective cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Disassemble multi-part instruments and open all hinged clamps.

Answer

Use a metal brush to scrub tough bone fragments.

Answer

Soak the instruments in hot water with a high-alkaline detergent.

Answer

Immediately apply an instrument lubricant before washing.

Question 2

The process of cavitation, which uses microscopic bubbles imploding to dislodge soil from instrument surfaces, is characteristic of which cleaning method?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic Cleaner

Answer

Washer-Disinfector

Answer

Manual Soaking

Answer

Steam Sterilization

Question 3

When preparing to load a washer-disinfector, which of the following is an INCORRECT practice?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring hinged instruments are in the closed and locked position.

Answer

Placing heavy instruments on the bottom of the tray.

Answer

Using perforated trays to allow for better water flow.

Answer

Arranging instruments to avoid overloading and stacking.

Question 4

A new SPD technician is working in the decontamination area. They notice that instruments coming out of the manual cleaning sink still have dried blood in the serrations after being scrubbed. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?

Accepted Answer

The water temperature was too high, causing blood to coagulate.

Answer

The detergent used was a neutral pH.

Answer

A soft-bristled brush was used for cleaning.

Answer

The final rinse was performed with sterile water.

Question 5

Which of the following is considered the first step in the decontamination process, beginning immediately after a surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Point-of-use cleaning.

Answer

Transportation to the Sterile Processing Department.

Answer

Manual scrubbing in the decontamination sink.

Answer

Loading into the ultrasonic cleaner.

Question 6

To verify the cleaning efficacy of a mechanical washer-disinfector, a technician should use a:

Accepted Answer

Cleaning verification device, such as a TOSI.

Answer

Biological Indicator (BI)

Answer

Chemical Integrator (Class 5)

Answer

Bowie-Dick Test

A Sterile Processing technician is manually cleaning a set of surgical instruments from an orthopedic procedure.Which of the following actions is MOST critical to perform first to ensure effective cleaning?

A Sterile Processing technician is manually cleaning a set of surgical instruments from an orthopedic procedure.
Which of the following actions is MOST critical to perform first to ensure effective cleaning?