RECIPE FOR PASSING YOUR CRCST EXAM
1. Read your textbook
2. Master the material on our CRASH COURSE page
3. Continue to take our practice test until you start scoring 90 percent or more.
We will continue to add to the content as we receive recommendations from people who use our website.
CRAM SECTION
1. Agency which may intervene in a matter of worker protection even if there are no specific regulations covering the situation: OSHA
2. Chemical indicators are FDA Class II devices
3. Under current regulations who is required to report suspected medical device-related deaths to the FDA: DEVICE MANUFACTURER AND HOSPITALS
4. Healthcare Regulations and Standards provide consistency of departmental activities by outlining MINIMAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
5. The unit of measure used to describe the amount of EtO in the air is: PPM
6. The pH of purified water should be 6.5-7.5
7. The entity responsible for providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) : the PRODUCT MANUFACTURER
8. The root element word of “hemigastrectomy” is GASTRO
9. The first step in the sterilization process is CLEANING
10. Water purification usually involves the use of a PRE and POST FILTER
11. Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, halogenated fluorocarbons, and ozone that contribute to potential climate change are called GREEN HOUSE GASES
12. The special attire that Central Service Technicians must wear to minimize their exposure to blood borne pathogens and other contaminants: PPE
13. When state, local and federal regulations differ, THE MOST STRINGENT REGULATION IS USED
14. Agency which administers regulations under the Clean Air Act: EPA
15. Heart valves and pacemakers are examples of FDA Class III medical devices
16. Bluish or rainbow-type stains are caused by IRON and SILICATES in water
17. 100 ethylene oxide gas canisters should be stored in CHEMICAL STORAGE CABINET
18. Water that is cloudy is said to be TURBID
19. The type of pressure required for decontamination areas is NEGATIVE AIR PRESSURE
20. Agency which imposes very strict labeling requirements on manufacturers of chemicals used by Central Service departments: EPA
21. The equipment used to remove impurities and waste products from blood before returning it to the patient`s body is the HEMODIALYZER
22. Nosocomial infection are those which occur in the course of being TREATED IN THE HOSPITAL
23. Medical Device reporting is regulated by the FDA
24. The system used to treat the final rinse water used for cleaning is DEIONIZATION
25. A molecular reaction that creates an uncontrolled release of energy: POLYMERIZATION
26. The tank into which untreated hard water flows, and in which sodium ions are exchanged for calcium and magnesium ions to produce soft water is called CATION RESIN TANK
27. Tissue, body fat, blood, and other body substances are referred to as GROSS SOIL
28. To achieve a reasonable level of disinfection, alcohol used as an INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL DISINFECTANT must remain in wet contact with the surface of the object being disinfected for a minimum of 5 MINUTES
29. A chemical which kills most pathogenic organisms, but does not kills spores, and is not a sterilant : DISINFECTANT
30. Instrument decontamination begins at POINT-OF-USE and is then continued in Central Processing decontamination area
31. Horizontal work surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at the BEGINNING and END of shift
32. Scissors with tungsten carbide cutting edges are usually identified by GOLD HANDLES
33. Surgical instrument used to control flow of blood: HEMOSTATIC FORCEPS
34. Items that have been used in patient care are CONTAMINATED
35. Chemicals that hold hard water minerals in solution and prevent soaps or detergents from reacting with the minerals : CHELATING AGENT
36. Chemicals that are used on animate (living tissue) to slow the growth of microorganisms: ANTISEPTICS
37. Ortho-Phthalaldehyde (OPA) is classified as HIGH LEVEL DISINFECTANT
38. Instrument marking tape should be wrapped approximately 1 to 1 1/2 times around the instrument
39. Process that utilizes an agent that kills viruses, mycobacteria, fungi, and vegetative bacteria, but not bacteria spores is known as INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
40. The process used by an ultrasonic cleaner in which low-pressure bubbles in a cleaning solution burst inward : CAVITATION
41. The amount of vapor in the atmosphere expressed as a percentage of the total amount of vapor the atmosphere could hold without condensation is RELATIVE HUMIDITY
42. Iodophors are a member of the HALOGENS FAMILY
43. The chemical process applied during instrument manufacture that provides a corrosion-resistant layer is PASSIVATION
44. The spray-force action of pressurized water against instruments being processed to physically remove bioburden is IMPINGEMENT
45. Air powered instruments using compressed gas like CO2 : PNEUMATIC
46. INFECTION CONTROL is critical to minimize or eliminate CROSS-CONTAMINATION
47. This type of material is not an acceptable sterilization packaging: CANVAS
48. Relative humidity of the Central Service department should be: LESS THAN 75
49. When placing ring-handled instruments in an instrument tray, YOU SHOULD UNLOCK THE HANDLES AND OPEN THE INSTRUMENTS
50. The process by which unwrapped instruments are steam sterilized for immediate use when and emergency situation arises is called FLASH STERILIZATION
51. These materials allow air removal, steam penetration and facilitate drying: WICKING
52. Endotracheal tubes and anesthesia breathing circuits are examples of SEMI-CRITICAL DEVICES
53. The amount of time it takes to kill 90 of the microorganisms present on an object is called D-VALUE
54. A stock rotation system in which the oldest product is used first = First in, First out ( FIFO )
55. The number of micro-organisms contaminating an object also known as bioload or microbial load is: BIOBURDEN
56. The process of heat transfer by the circulation of currents from one area to another is called CONVECTION
57. The complete cycle time for Ozone sterilization is 4 hrs
58. The 3 low temp sterilization methods are: EtO, OZONE and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
59. Of the 3 major low temperature sterilants, ethylene oxide has the longest instrument turnaround time
60. The consistent delivery of products and services according to established standards is: QUALITY
61. An activity designed to identify and resolve work task-related problems that yield poor quality : PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
62. Surfaces such as floors, walls, and sinks that pose a risk of disease transmission are known as HOUSEKEEPING SURFACES
63. These facilities do not permit “event related” practices for sterilize items. They use “time related: VA (Veterans Affairs)
64. The two most commonly encountered temps for steam sterilization: 250°F and 270°F-275°F
65. Agency that sets exposure standards for chemical sterilants is OSHA
66. Agency that requires sterilants be rigorously tested before being marketed is FDA
67. The amount of EtO that remains inside a materials after they are sterilized is called RESIDUAL (EtO)
68. The hip joint is an example of a BALL AND SOCKET JOINT
69. The process of sterilizing an item that is packaged: TERMINAL STERILIZATION
70. Label information on sterilization packages, trays or containers that identify the sterilizer, cycle run and date of sterilization: LOAD CONTROL NUMBER
71. An electrically charged particle that is formed by the loss or gain of one or more electrons: ION
72. The fundamental unit of a chemical element: ATOM
73. The pressure that a gas would exert on the walls of a one -cubic foot container: PSIG (Pounds Per Square Inch Gauge)
74. Items are considered sterile unless the integrity of the packaging is compromised regardless of the sterilization date. This is referred to as EVENT RELATED STERILITY (ERS)
75. Instrument containers that hold medical devices during sterilization and also protect devices from contamination during storage and transport: RIGID CONTAINER SYSTEM
76. The condition that arises when steam is at a temperature which exceeds that of saturated steam at the same pressure: SUPERHEATING
77. Water that has been treated, and is acceptable for drinking: TAP WATER
78. A measurement of the ability of water to carry an electrical current : CONDUCTIVITY OF WATER
79. Chemicals that remove or inactivate hard water minerals: SEQUESTERING AGENT
80. A substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, and allows the liquid to penetrate or spread more easily across the surface of a solid: WETTING AGENT
81. To cause to become viscous or thickened into a coherent mass; to clot: COAGULATION
82. Notices posted in easily-seen locations that alert persons in the area about the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, or other dangerous biohazardous agents or organisms: BIOHAZARD SIGNAGE
83. An inanimate object that can transmit bacteria: FOMITE
84. Invasions of human body tissue by microorganisms which multiply and produce a reaction: INFECTION
85. A person or animal that lacks the ability to resist infection by an infectious agent: SUSCEPTIBLE HOST
86. The method of transfer of an infectious agent from the reservoir to a susceptible host: MODE OF TRANSMISSION
87. An individual who harbors and disseminates specific pathogenic microorganisms without manifesting any clinical symptoms, and who serves as an intermediary in the transfer of diseases to a susceptible person: CARRIER
88. The microorganism that causes an infectious disease: CAUSATIVE AGENT
89. The place where an infectious agent (microorganism) can survive: RESERVOIR OF INFECTION
90. Any one-celled animal-like microorganism of the sub-kingdom protozoa: PROTOZOAN
91. A large group of plant-like organisms including molds, mushrooms, and yeasts without chlorophyll: FUNGI
92. The animal, plant, or human that supports the growth of microorganisms: HOST
94. One of a group of minute infections agents that grow only in living tissues or cells: VIRUS
95. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that have developed a resistance to antibiotic : Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). MRSA usually occurs with patients who have been on antibiotic therapy for a long time
96. The typical method of bacterial reproduction in which a cell divides into equal parts: BINARY FISSION
97. A unit that measures visible light: ANGSTROM
98. State of active growth of microorganisms :VEGETATIVE STAGE
99. Bacteria which grow best at a temperatures (122-158 degrees F): THERMOPHILES
100. Bacteria that grows best at moderate temperatures (68-113 degrees F): MESOPHILES
101. Cold-loving bacteria (59-68 degrees F): PSYCHROPHILES
102. Capable of growing in the absence of free oxygen. Not requiring oxygen: ANAEROBIC BACTERIA
103. Capable of growing in the presence of free oxygen. Requiring oxygen: AEROBIC BACTERIA
104. A molecule in plants that absorbs sunlight, and converts it to energy in a process called photosynthesis: CHLOROPHYLL
105. Microorganisms capable of forming a thick wall around themselves enabling them to survive in adverse conditions; a resistant form of bacterium: SPORE
106. Thread-like tails attached to the cell that enables the bacteria to move through liquids: FLAGELLA
107. A mucus material that protects the bacteria from the host cells that try to destroy it : CAPSULE
108. The protein found in the chromosomes of a cell nucleus which is the basis of heredity: DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA)
109. The functional center of a cell that governs activity and heredity: NUCLEUS
110. The living matter of a cell between the cell’s membrane and nucleus: CYTOPLASM
111. The process by which some cells can ingest bacteria or other foreign particles. The process where white blood cells in the human body destroy bacteria by engulfing them: PHAGOTIZATION
112. Components of a cell: Cell wall; cell membrane; cytoplasm; capsule; flagella; nucleus
113. A plan projecting more responsible professional positions that serves as a foundation for designing a professional development program: CAREER LADDER
114. The situation that occurs when air flows out of a room or area because the pressure in the area is greater than that of surrounding areas: POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE
115. The situation that occurs when air flows into a room or area because the pressure in the area is less than that of surrounding areas: NEGATIVE AIR PRESSURE
116. An activity that helps or assists one of more persons or groups of people: SERVICE
117. The process of transmitting information and understanding from one person to another by use of words and nonverbal expressions such as body language: COMMUNICATION
118. In the “Fire Triangle” you must have 3 things: SOURCE OF OXYGEN, SOURCE OF COMBUSTIBLE/FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE, SOURCE OF IGNITION
119. CUSTOMER SURVEY results can indicate potential problems that may not be apparent to Central Service personnel
120. THE PATIENT must be at the center of every quality concern
121. Used to provide automatic administration of pain meds: PATIENT CONTROLLED ANALGESIA (PCA) pump
122. This should be checked each time an item of patient care equipment is returned to the CS department for cleaning: PLANNED MAINTENANCE (PM) STICKER
123. Activity designed to identify and resolve work task-related problems that yield poor quality: PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (PI )
124. Periodic automatic replenishment (STAT): IMMEDIATELY/AT ONCE
125. Consumable products found in Central Service and other storerooms, warehouses, and satellite storage areas: OFFICIAL INVENTORY
126. The consistent delivery of products and services according to established standards: QUALITY
127. The 2 techniques for wrapping packages: ENVELOPE FOLD & SQUARE FOLD
128. A method where a package is wrapped twice; a package within a package: SEQUENTIAL
129. A heat transfer method in which heat is absorbed by an item’s exterior surface, and passed inward to the next layer: CONDUCTION
130. The complete cycle time for Ozone sterilization is: 4 HOURS
131. Sterilizers frequently used in clinics and dentists offices: TABLE TOP STERILIZERS
132. All the critical parameters of the sterilization cycle (time, temp and the presence of steam) is monitored by a CLASS 5 INTEGRATOR
133. This occurs when a medical device is processed immediately before use, and or close to the patient area: POINT-OF-USE PROCESSING
134. The pre-made opening of a pouch is called the CHEVRON
135. Linen packs have been limited to a size of 12X12X20
136. LOG BOOK should be maintained when using high-level disinfectants like glutaraldehyde and OPA
137. Loaner instrumentation that come from the outside should be considered CONTAMINATED
138. The most important step in processing flexible endoscopes is MANUAL CLEANING
139. To minimize or eliminate cross-contamination, effective INFECTION CONTROL policies and practices must be in place
140. Before submersion of a flexible endoscope to assure that internal components do not get damaged,they must be LEAK TESTED
141. The use of physical or chemical procedures to completely destroy all microbial life: STERILIZATION
115. A chemical process applied during instrument manufacture that provides a corrosion-resistant layer: PASSIVATION
116. The magnetic stainless Steel also known as 400 series stainless steel that can be heat-hardened: MARTENSIC
117. Chisel-like instruments used to cut/shave bone: OSTEOTOMES
118. A unit of measurement that is one millionth of a meter: MICRON
119. Under OSHA violations, a violation that the employer intentionally and knowingly commits is a WILLFUL VIOLATION
120. Floors should be cleaned (wet mopped) at least DAILY
121. An activity or procedure that prevents infection or breaks the chain of infection: ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE
122. A preconceived belief or opinion about a group of people that is applied to every person in that group: STEREOTYPE
123. Number of times per year that inventory is purchased, consumed, and replaced: INVENTORY TURNOVER RATE
124. Eto sterilization is not generally used in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) because of installation concerns, environmental concerns and long turnover
125. A voluntary process by which an organization measures the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards: ACCREDITATION
126. Specialized words or phrases known only by persons working in a position: JARGON
127. Central service Technicians must follow a professional code of behavior that includes MORAL, LEGAL and ETHICAL aspects of responsibility
128. The development and maintenance of effective interpersonal relationships that enhance teamwork: HUMAN RELATIONS
129. Type of extinguisher used for flammable liquids: TYPE B FIRE DISTINGUISHER
130. Inventory system that keeps track of all incoming, issued, on-hand supplies on a on-going basis: PERPETUAL SYSTEM
131. The condition that occurs when reusable or consumable inventory items required are not available: STOCK OUTS
132. High level disinfectant used for semi-critical devices such as endoscopes and ultrasonic probes: GLUTARALDEHYDE
133. The most important priority of the Central Service Technician is to HELP THE PATIENT
134. A group of employees from different departments within the healthcare facility that work together to solve operating problems is called a CROSS FUNCTIONAL TEAM
135. The most important factor necessary for teamwork ATTITUDE
136. When speaking, you should CONCENTRATE ON THE LISTENER
137. A step in communication that occurs when a listener asks a question is called is FEEDBACK
138. Behavior relating to what is “right and wrong” relative to the standards of conduct for your profession are called ETHICAL BEHAVIOR
139. A written statement providing detailed info about a chemical or toxic substance including potential hazards and appropriate handling methods is Material safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
140. A substance, that if ignited, will react with oxygen and burn is said to be COMBUSTIBLE
141. An injury to or disorder of the musculoskeletal system where exposure to workplace risk factors may have contributed to the disorder’s development or aggravated a pre-existing condition is WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER (WMSD)
142. OSHA established Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and Action Level (AL) for Eto are respectively, 1 ppm and 0.5 ppm
143. The process of changing work or work conditions to reduce employee stress is ERGONOMICS
144. Patient care equipment should be inspected as specified by the manufacturer or internal risk management committee by the BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
145. An unexpected occurrence involving death, serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk there of is called a SENTINEL EVENT
146. A technical, statistical sampling method that measures the quality of production is QUALITY CONTROL
147. The act of granting authority to employees to make decisions within their areas of responsibility is called EMPOWERMENT
148. An international standard used by participating organizations to help assure that they consistently deliver quality services and products is ISO 9000
149. The quality process that uses the DMADV/DMAIC processes to improve processes is called SIX SIGMA
150. A process that looks backwards at an event to help prevent it from reoccurring is called a ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
151. When something deviates from the expected standard it is said to have a DEFECT
152. An activity designed to identify and resolve work task-related problems is called PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
153. Nurses, physicians, and other professionals working in the healthcare facility are INTERNAL CUSTOMERS of Central Service
160. The tracking method that provides real time information is RFID-Radio Frequency Identification
161. The system where items are ordered in larger quantities (i.e. by the case instead of individually) to save money is called ECONOMIC ORDER QUANTITY
162. The system whereby items are owned by the vendor, but stored at the Healthcare facility CONSIGNMENT
163. The system whereby the facility keeps minimal stock on hand and Supplies are delivered when needed, usually just prior to use is JUST-IN-TIME
164. The movement of supplies throughout the healthcare facility is called DISTRIBUTION
165. The inventory system that uses two identical carts to facilitate supply replenishment is called the EXCHANGE CART SYSTEM
166. The inventory system that stocks supplies by established stock levels is called PAR LEVEL
167. Provides supplies and instruments for individual surgical procedures CASE CART
168. The higher the bioburden on an object the more difficult it will be to sterilize
169. When loading a steam sterilizer, items with solid bottoms should be PLACED ON EDGE
170. A sterilizer’s strainer be removed and cleaned DAILY
171. The most efficient type of dry heat sterilizer is MECHANICAL CONVECTION STERILIZER
172. Impregnated gauze strips may be sterilized using DRY HEAT STERILIZATION
172. The term “superheated steam” means DRY STEAM
173. The spore used in the testing of steam sterilization is GEOBACILLUS STEARO
174. Sterilization quality assurance measurements designed to provide a written record of sterilizer cycle activity MECHANICAL RECORDING CHARTS
175. The recommended exposure time for a Dry Heat sterilization load that was run at an exposure temperature of 320F (160C) is 2 HRS
176. Chemical indicators PROVE THAT AN ITEM IS STERILE
177. Bowie Dick Tests should be run in DYNAMIC AIR REMOVAL STEAM STERILIZER
178. Tests which use live bacterial spores to challenge the efficacy of the sterilization process and provide a direct measure of lethality are called BIOLOGICAL TEST
179. The two most common temperatures used in steam sterilization are 250 F and 270F
180. In order to elevate the temperature in a steam sterilizer, you must INCREASE THE STEAM PRESSURE
181. In the event of a load recall, information about specific load contents can be obtained from STERILIZATION LOG
182. The sterilizer has successfully killed all the bacterial spores in a biological test; Test is as NEGATIVE STERILITY TEST
183. Implantable devices SHOULD NOT BE FLASH STERILIZED
184. Sterilizer recording charts and/or printouts should be checked DURING AND AT THE END OF EACH CYCLE
185. Endotracheal tubes and anesthesia breathing circuits are examples of SEMI-CRITICAL DEVICES
186. The process by which unwrapped instruments are steam sterilized for immediate use when an emergency situation arises is called FLASH STERILIZATION
187. When arranging plastic-paper pouches in the sterilizer, the pouches should be arranged PAPER TO PLASTIC
188. To protect themselves from splashes and spills, central service technicians assigned to the decontamination area should wear FLUID-RESISTANT GOWNS
189. A band of connective tissue that connects a bone to another bone: LIGAMENTS
190. A part of the body containing two or more tissues that function together for a specific purpose: ORGAN
191. The process by which cartilage is replaced with bone: OSSIFICATION
192. The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
193. The SAFE MEDICAL DEVICE ACT requires that the healthcare facility report malfunctions of medical devices that have contributed to patient injury, illness, and or death to the manufacturer and the FDA
194. All nerve tissue outside the central nervous system: PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
195. A hormone that reduces the level of sugar in blood: INSULIN
196. A hormone that can increase the blood sugar level: GLUCAGON
197. The largest part of the brain. It controls mental activities and movement. Think, speak, remember and most voluntary muscle contractions: CEREBRUM
198. THA = Total hip Arthroplasty
199. Repairs to the muscle and ligaments of shoulder joints depend on the size and shape of the tear: ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR
200. PLIF = Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
201. TKA = Total knee Arthroplasty