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CRCST Sterile Processing Technician Exam — Practice

Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection: practice questions

Our CRCST bank has 66 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

Why is alcohol not used to sterilize instruments?

  1. It is a regulated explosive in all hospitals
  2. It does not kill spores or penetrate protein
  3. It is stronger than steam and damages steel
  4. It evaporates too slowly to dry instruments
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B. It does not kill spores or penetrate protein — CDC: alcohols lack sporicidal action and do not penetrate protein-rich materials.

Question 2

Why is cleaning considered the most critical step in reprocessing an instrument?

  1. Sterilizers cannot run unless items are wet from washing
  2. Soil can shield microorganisms from the sterilant
  3. Cleaning sterilizes the item on its own, so nothing else is needed
  4. Cleaning only matters for appearance and surgeon satisfaction
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B. Soil can shield microorganisms from the sterilant — CDC: items must be cleaned before disinfection or sterilization, because residual organic and inorganic material interferes with the process.

Question 3

What is the purpose of testing a reusable high-level disinfectant with test strips?

  1. To extend the product past its use-life date
  2. To measure the temperature of the room
  3. To confirm it is at or above its MEC
  4. To check the endoscope for leaks
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C. To confirm it is at or above its MEC — MEC strips check dilution from reuse; CDC notes they must not be used to extend use-life beyond the expiration date.

Question 4

When should cleaning and decontamination of used instruments begin?

  1. As soon as possible after use
  2. After the instruments are wrapped
  3. At the end of the week
  4. Only after the item has fully dried
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A. As soon as possible after use — CDC: cleaning and decontamination should be done as soon as possible after items are used, before soil dries.

Question 5

Which disinfectant class is generally used for noncritical surfaces and is not sporicidal?

  1. Glutaraldehyde
  2. Quaternary ammonium compounds
  3. Peracetic acid
  4. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)
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B. Quaternary ammonium compounds — CDC: quats are used on noncritical surfaces and are not sporicidal and generally not tuberculocidal.

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