IAHCSMM CRCST Exam 2026 LATEST TEST EXAM 180
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS COVERING THE
RECENT TESTED QUESTIONS
OVERVIEW
This exam covers a broad range of core concepts in central sterile processing and
infection prevention, focusing on how medical equipment is safely cleaned,
disinfected, sterilized, and handled. It includes principles of microbiology (types
of bacteria, growth conditions), sterilization methods like steam, dry heat, and
ethylene oxide, and the proper use of disinfectants and antiseptics. The material
also emphasizes safety practices, such as equipment inspection, chemical labeling,
and prevention of contamination through one-way workflow. In addition, it
touches on regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, quality standards like ISO 9000,
and infection control organizations such as Association for Professionals in
Infection Control and Epidemiology. Overall, the exam tests knowledge needed to
ensure patient safety, effective sterilization processes, and compliance with
healthcare standards.
The physical method by which an ultrasonic units clean is called - correct answer -Cavitation
Equipment should be inspected for obvious hazards such as cracked or frayed electrical cords: - correct
answer -whenever the equipment is cleaned
Impregnated Gauze Strips may be sterilized using: - correct answer -dry heat sterilization
Powered surgical instruments should be cleaned using a mechanical cleaning process. - correct answer
-False. They should all be cleaned manually.
Agency responsible for the MedWatch program - correct answer -FDA food and drug administration
Phenolics are classified as - correct answer -intermediate to low level disinfectants
To prevent coagulation of proteins, water temperature should be - correct answer -Below 43 C (110 F)
,Secondary containers of chemicals - correct answer -must be labeled with a copy of the original
manufacturer's label or a generic label that identifies hazard warnings and directions
These carry blood away from the heart - correct answer -arteries
The percentage of hospital patients that develop a healthcare facility-associated infection. - correct
answer -Approximately 10%
Spiral shaped bacteria are classified as - correct answer -spirillum
The two most common techniques of flat wrap packaging are - correct answer -Square-fold and
envelope-fold
Third party reprocessors are regulated by the FDA - correct answer -True
In central service, the concept of "one-way flow of materials" refers to the movement of products -
correct answer -From soiled areas to clean processing areas within central service
Horizontal work surfaces in the decontamination area should be cleaned and disinfected - correct
answer -At the beginning and end of each shift.
A material that removes electrons from another substance is Called - correct answer -an oxidizing agent
Pre-Vacuum Steam Sterilizer & Steam Flush Pressure-Pulse (SFPP) - correct answer -Use an active air
removal system
These chemicals are used on animate (living tissue) to slow the growth of microorganisms: - correct
answer -antiseptics
Agency responsible for regulating EO - correct answer -OSHA and EPA
, Scissors with tungsten carbide cutting edges are usually identified by - correct answer -gold handles
7.2 pounds per cubic foot - correct answer -Maximum density for linen packs
Package condensation will occur when - correct answer -Placing hot or warm packages in cold surfaces
The decontamination area of the central service department should have - correct answer -10 air
exchanges per hour
ISO 9000 - correct answer -an international standard used by participating organizations to help assure
that they consistently deliver quality services and products
Air exchanges in EtO sterilizer room - correct answer -10 per hour
Water purification usually involves the use of a - correct answer -pre and post filter
Which of the following is not an acceptable form of instrument marking? - correct answer -Electric
etching (engraving)
Aluminum items should be cleaned: - correct answer -using a to and fro motion with the grain
Wicking materials are used to : - correct answer -allow air removal, steam penetration and facilitate
drying
Exchange cart system - correct answer -The inventory system that uses two identical carts to facilitate
Supply replenishment is called the.
The largest operating channel of an endoscope is the ___ channel? - correct answer -Instrument
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS COVERING THE
RECENT TESTED QUESTIONS
OVERVIEW
This exam covers a broad range of core concepts in central sterile processing and
infection prevention, focusing on how medical equipment is safely cleaned,
disinfected, sterilized, and handled. It includes principles of microbiology (types
of bacteria, growth conditions), sterilization methods like steam, dry heat, and
ethylene oxide, and the proper use of disinfectants and antiseptics. The material
also emphasizes safety practices, such as equipment inspection, chemical labeling,
and prevention of contamination through one-way workflow. In addition, it
touches on regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, quality standards like ISO 9000,
and infection control organizations such as Association for Professionals in
Infection Control and Epidemiology. Overall, the exam tests knowledge needed to
ensure patient safety, effective sterilization processes, and compliance with
healthcare standards.
The physical method by which an ultrasonic units clean is called - correct answer -Cavitation
Equipment should be inspected for obvious hazards such as cracked or frayed electrical cords: - correct
answer -whenever the equipment is cleaned
Impregnated Gauze Strips may be sterilized using: - correct answer -dry heat sterilization
Powered surgical instruments should be cleaned using a mechanical cleaning process. - correct answer
-False. They should all be cleaned manually.
Agency responsible for the MedWatch program - correct answer -FDA food and drug administration
Phenolics are classified as - correct answer -intermediate to low level disinfectants
To prevent coagulation of proteins, water temperature should be - correct answer -Below 43 C (110 F)
,Secondary containers of chemicals - correct answer -must be labeled with a copy of the original
manufacturer's label or a generic label that identifies hazard warnings and directions
These carry blood away from the heart - correct answer -arteries
The percentage of hospital patients that develop a healthcare facility-associated infection. - correct
answer -Approximately 10%
Spiral shaped bacteria are classified as - correct answer -spirillum
The two most common techniques of flat wrap packaging are - correct answer -Square-fold and
envelope-fold
Third party reprocessors are regulated by the FDA - correct answer -True
In central service, the concept of "one-way flow of materials" refers to the movement of products -
correct answer -From soiled areas to clean processing areas within central service
Horizontal work surfaces in the decontamination area should be cleaned and disinfected - correct
answer -At the beginning and end of each shift.
A material that removes electrons from another substance is Called - correct answer -an oxidizing agent
Pre-Vacuum Steam Sterilizer & Steam Flush Pressure-Pulse (SFPP) - correct answer -Use an active air
removal system
These chemicals are used on animate (living tissue) to slow the growth of microorganisms: - correct
answer -antiseptics
Agency responsible for regulating EO - correct answer -OSHA and EPA
, Scissors with tungsten carbide cutting edges are usually identified by - correct answer -gold handles
7.2 pounds per cubic foot - correct answer -Maximum density for linen packs
Package condensation will occur when - correct answer -Placing hot or warm packages in cold surfaces
The decontamination area of the central service department should have - correct answer -10 air
exchanges per hour
ISO 9000 - correct answer -an international standard used by participating organizations to help assure
that they consistently deliver quality services and products
Air exchanges in EtO sterilizer room - correct answer -10 per hour
Water purification usually involves the use of a - correct answer -pre and post filter
Which of the following is not an acceptable form of instrument marking? - correct answer -Electric
etching (engraving)
Aluminum items should be cleaned: - correct answer -using a to and fro motion with the grain
Wicking materials are used to : - correct answer -allow air removal, steam penetration and facilitate
drying
Exchange cart system - correct answer -The inventory system that uses two identical carts to facilitate
Supply replenishment is called the.
The largest operating channel of an endoscope is the ___ channel? - correct answer -Instrument
