CRCST practice test: Sterile Storage, Transport and Inventory Management

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

1. Question 1 of 10According to CDC, how far from the floor should sterile items be stored?

   A.8 to 10 inchesB.2 inchesC.18 inchesD.36 inches
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   Answer: A. 8 to 10 inches

   CDC: sterile supplies should be stored 8 to 10 inches from the floor, 5 inches from the ceiling (18 inches from a sprinkler head) and 2 inches from outside walls.

2. Question 2 of 10How far from a sprinkler head should sterile items be kept?

   A.2 inchesB.5 inchesC.8 inchesD.18 inches
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   Answer: D. 18 inches

   CDC: 5 inches from the ceiling unless near a sprinkler head, in which case 18 inches, so the sprinklers can work properly.

3. Question 3 of 10What does the FIFO stock rotation method mean?

   A.Fastest items first outB.Full inventory, fewer ordersC.First in, first out: the oldest items are used before newer stockD.First instruments first opened
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   Answer: C. First in, first out: the oldest items are used before newer stock

   FIFO places new stock behind older stock so items are used in the order they were received.

4. Question 4 of 10What is a par level?

   A.The sterilizer’s maximum load weightB.The quantity of an item that should be on hand to meet normal demandC.The temperature range for sterile storageD.The number of times a wrap can be reused
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   Answer: B. The quantity of an item that should be on hand to meet normal demand

   A par level sets how much of each item to keep in stock. Restocking brings the item back to par; too high ties up money and space, too low risks shortages.

5. Question 5 of 10How should sterile items be transported within the facility?

   A.In enclosed or covered carts that protect them from contamination and damageB.On open carts, so packages can be countedC.Together with soiled items to save tripsD.Carried by hand, stacked as high as possible
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   Answer: A. In enclosed or covered carts that protect them from contamination and damage

   Covered or enclosed carts protect packages from dust, moisture and physical damage, and sterile and contaminated items travel separately.

6. Question 6 of 10How should contaminated items be transported to decontamination?

   A.On the same cart as sterile suppliesB.In open bins so they can dryC.In paper bagsD.In enclosed, leak-proof containers labeled as biohazard, separate from sterile items
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   Answer: D. In enclosed, leak-proof containers labeled as biohazard, separate from sterile items

   Enclosed, leak-proof, labeled containers protect staff and the environment and keep soiled items away from clean and sterile ones (OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard).

7. Question 7 of 10A sterile package falls on the floor. The wrap looks intact. What should happen?

   A.Use it, because the wrap is intactB.Wipe the outside and return it to the shelfC.Consider it contaminated and return it for reprocessingD.Use it only that day
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   Answer: C. Consider it contaminated and return it for reprocessing

   Sterility is event-related: a drop can compromise the barrier without visible damage. Under event-related practice the package goes back for reprocessing.

8. Question 8 of 10What does CDC say about closed versus open shelving for sterile storage?

   A.Only open shelving is allowedB.Closed or covered cabinets are ideal, but open shelving may be usedC.Sterile items must be stored on the floor in binsD.Shelving type does not matter in any case
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   Answer: B. Closed or covered cabinets are ideal, but open shelving may be used

   CDC: closed or covered cabinets are ideal but open shelving may be used. Open/closed shelving is one of the event-related factors CDC lists.

9. Question 9 of 10What is consignment inventory?

   A.Supplier-owned stock kept at the facility that is paid for only when usedB.Stock that has passed its expiration dateC.Items borrowed from another hospitalD.A list of instruments sent for repair
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   Answer: A. Supplier-owned stock kept at the facility that is paid for only when used

   Consignment stock (often implants and specialty items) stays the supplier’s property until used, which reduces the facility’s inventory costs.

10. Question 10 of 10Under event-related sterility, what decides how long a package stays sterile?

    A.A fixed 30-day expiration dateB.The color of the wrapC.The day of the week it was sterilizedD.Whether an event, such as a tear, moisture or a broken seal, has compromised it
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    Answer: D. Whether an event, such as a tear, moisture or a broken seal, has compromised it

    CDC: event-related shelf life means the product remains sterile until some event causes it to become contaminated, such as a tear in the packaging, wetness or a broken seal.