CRCST flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Bioburden

The population of microorganisms and organic soil present on an item before cleaning and sterilization. Reducing bioburden through proper cleaning is essential because residual soil can protect microbes and defeat sterilization.

Enzymatic detergent

A cleaning agent containing enzymes that break down protein, fat, and carbohydrate soil. It is diluted per manufacturer instructions, used within its active life, and typically discarded after a single use.

One-way workflow

A decontamination design principle in which soiled items move from the dirty side to the clean side and never back. Doors between areas remain closed to prevent cross-contamination.

Lumen brushing

Cleaning the inside channel of a hollow instrument with a brush sized to the lumen, followed by flushing, rinsing, and forced-air drying. This removes soil that soaking alone cannot reach.

Standard PPE

The protective equipment worn in decontamination: fluid-resistant gown, gloves, mask, eye protection, and shoe covers. Utility gloves are added when handling sharps or chemicals.

Washer-disinfector log

A record of each mechanical wash cycle showing detergent dose, water temperature, spray-arm function, and final rinse. It verifies that the cycle met validated parameters.

Instrument inspection

Checking each item for cleanliness, function, and integrity before assembly. Hinges, ratchets, jaws, insulation, and lumens are examined for defects or retained soil.

Borescope

An optical device used to visually inspect long or narrow instrument channels that cannot be seen directly. It confirms that lumens are clean and free of debris or damage.

Count sheet

A list of the items that belong in an instrument set. The assembler verifies each item against the sheet so that no instrument is missing or extra before packaging.

Sterile barrier system

Packaging that allows sterilant penetration and air removal, provides a microbial barrier, and resists tears and punctures. It must be validated for the sterilization method used.

External chemical indicator

An indicator placed on the outside of a package that changes color after exposure to the sterilization process. It distinguishes processed from unprocessed items but does not prove sterility.

Package labeling

Applying a label with contents, sterilizer ID, cycle number, and date before sterilization. The label allows traceability of the load and supports event-related shelf life.

Tamper-evident seal

A continuous seal on a sterile package that shows whether the package has been opened. A broken or incomplete seal means the item is no longer considered sterile.

Gravity displacement cycle

A steam sterilization cycle in which air is removed by gravity and steam fills the chamber. Typical parameters are 250°F for 30 minutes or 270°F for 4 minutes.

Prevacuum cycle

A steam sterilization cycle that removes air with a vacuum before steam enters. It penetrates lumens and porous loads better and runs shorter than gravity displacement cycles.

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

The spore used in biological indicators for steam sterilization. A negative result after incubation indicates the cycle killed the highly resistant spores.

Ethylene oxide aeration

The process of removing residual EO gas from sterilized items before release. Items must be aerated per manufacturer instructions because EO is toxic and carcinogenic.

Bowie-Dick test

A test run daily on prevacuum steam sterilizers to detect air leaks and poor air removal. A uniform color change indicates acceptable vacuum function.

Implant load hold

The practice of quarantining implant loads until the biological indicator is negative. A positive result triggers recall of the load and removal of the sterilizer from service.

Three levels of monitoring

Physical monitoring uses gauges and printouts, chemical monitoring uses indicators, and biological monitoring uses spore tests. All three must pass before a load is released.

Event-related shelf life

A shelf-life approach based on package integrity and storage conditions rather than a fixed expiration date. The package remains sterile until an event compromises it.

Compromised package

A sterile package with a tear, hole, water stain, crushed corner, broken seal, or that has been dropped. It is reprocessed and never used as sterile.

FIFO rotation

First-in, first-out stock rotation in which older sterile items are used before newer ones. It reduces waste and prevents products from exceeding their shelf life.

Par level

The minimum quantity of an item kept on hand to meet expected demand. Reorder points are set above par level so stock is replenished before a shortage occurs.

Sterile storage clearance

The required spacing of sterile stock: at least 8 to 10 inches above the floor, 2 inches from walls, and 18 inches below the ceiling. This permits cleaning and air circulation.

Case cart

A cart assembled from a physician preference card with the supplies and instruments needed for a specific procedure. Missing items are documented before the case begins.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

The regulation requiring an exposure control plan, PPE, hepatitis B vaccination, and post-exposure evaluation. It applies to all staff with occupational exposure to blood or body fluids.

FDA clearance

The regulatory process by which sterilizers, biological indicators, and medical devices are cleared for marketing in the United States. It confirms safety and effectiveness for intended use.

Sharps injury response

Wash the site with soap and water, report immediately, and follow the facility exposure control plan for evaluation and possible prophylaxis. Do not squeeze or scrub the wound.

Recall procedure

Identify the affected load, quarantine it, notify users, document the event, and perform root cause analysis. Sterilizer use resumes only after the cause is corrected.

Annual competency

A yearly verification that staff can perform decontamination, packaging, and sterilization tasks correctly. Training and competency records are maintained for accreditation review.

Safety data sheet

A document listing the hazards, handling, spill response, and first aid for each chemical used. It must be accessible to staff wherever the chemical is stored or used.