CRCST practice test: Preparation and Packaging

10 questions · about 12 minutes. Pick an answer to see whether you’re right and why.

1. Question 1 of 10Which inspection test is used on electrosurgical (laparoscopic) instruments and cords?

   A.Sharpness testingB.Patency testingC.Insulation testingD.Ratchet testing
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Insulation testing

   Insulation testing finds breaks in the insulating coating that can cause burns to patients. HSPA’s outline lists insulation testers under equipment operation in preparation and packaging.

2. Question 2 of 10How should hinged instruments such as hemostats be placed in a tray for sterilization?

   A.Fully locked on the last ratchet toothB.Open, in the unlocked position, so the sterilant reaches the box lock and jawsC.Locked on the first tooth to protect the tipsD.Taped closed so they do not move
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Open, in the unlocked position, so the sterilant reaches the box lock and jaws

   Opening hinged instruments exposes the box lock and jaw surfaces to the sterilant and avoids stress on the ratchet. Racks and stringers hold them open.

3. Question 3 of 10When assembling an instrument set, where should the heaviest instruments go?

   A.On the bottom of the trayB.On top, so they are easy to findC.Stacked in the centerD.In a separate peel pouch on top of the tray
   Show answer

   Answer: A. On the bottom of the tray

   Heavy items on the bottom protect lighter, delicate instruments from being crushed and help weight distribution. HSPA’s outline lists weight limits and weight distribution under package assembly.

4. Question 4 of 10Why must lubricants applied to instruments before steam sterilization be water-soluble?

   A.Water-soluble lubricants sterilize the instrumentB.Oil-based lubricants are only for plastic instrumentsC.Steam dissolves the instrument without lubricantD.Oil- or silicone-based products can block steam from contacting the instrument surface
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Oil- or silicone-based products can block steam from contacting the instrument surface

   Non-water-soluble lubricants form a barrier that steam cannot penetrate. Lubricate only according to the device IFU (HSPA’s outline: “when and how to lubricate”).

5. Question 5 of 10Where should a technician write on a peel pouch?

   A.On the paper side, over the contentsB.Directly on the instrumentC.On the plastic side, outside the area where the contents sitD.Across the seal
   Show answer

   Answer: C. On the plastic side, outside the area where the contents sit

   Ink on the paper side can bleed through or damage the barrier. HSPA’s outline gives this example: write on the plastic side of a peel pouch, and on tape rather than on the wrapper.

6. Question 6 of 10When double peel-pouching an item, how should the inner pouch be placed?

   A.Folded in half to fitB.Unfolded inside the outer pouch, paper side facing paper sideC.Plastic side facing the outer pouch’s paper sideD.Sealed to the outer pouch with tape
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Unfolded inside the outer pouch, paper side facing paper side

   Paper facing paper lets the sterilant pass through both layers and lets air and moisture escape. Folding the inner pouch can trap air and stress the seals.

7. Question 7 of 10Where should an internal chemical indicator be placed in a wrapped instrument tray?

   A.In the area considered hardest for the sterilant to reach, per the indicator and tray manufacturers’ instructionsB.Taped to the outside of the wrapperC.Under the tray, outside the wrapD.Only in the top corner, where it is easy to see
   Show answer

   Answer: A. In the area considered hardest for the sterilant to reach, per the indicator and tray manufacturers’ instructions

   An internal indicator verifies sterilant penetration, so it goes where penetration is most challenging. CDC: preferably a chemical indicator inside each pack.

8. Question 8 of 10What is checked when a reusable rigid container is assembled?

   A.Only that the lid is cleanB.That the container has been used fewer than ten timesC.Only the weight of the instruments insideD.Filters or valves, gaskets, latches and locks, and the external indicator and tamper-evident seal
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Filters or valves, gaskets, latches and locks, and the external indicator and tamper-evident seal

   A damaged gasket, filter or valve breaks the sterile barrier. HSPA’s outline lists closure methods (locks, tape, heat seals) and package inspection of rigid containers.

9. Question 9 of 10What is the purpose of a count sheet in package assembly?

   A.It records the sterilizer cycle parametersB.It replaces the external indicatorC.It lists every item that belongs in the set so the set is assembled completely and consistentlyD.It shows the set’s expiration date
   Show answer

   Answer: C. It lists every item that belongs in the set so the set is assembled completely and consistently

   Count sheets standardize assembly across shifts and help catch missing items. HSPA’s outline lists count sheets first under package assembly.

10. Question 10 of 10Which item belongs on a sterile package label?

    A.The patient’s name and room numberB.Contents, the preparer’s identification and the sterilizer load (lot) informationC.The surgeon’s home phone numberD.Nothing; labels are optional
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Contents, the preparer’s identification and the sterilizer load (lot) information

    Labels identify what is inside, who prepared it and which load it was processed in, for traceability. HSPA’s outline also lists special identifiers such as implants, loaners and the sterilization method.