10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CSPDT exam has 150 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free CSPDT questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
An ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilizer door seal fails during a cycle, the fixed alarm activates, and vapor is suspected in the room. What is the technician's immediate priority?
Correct answer: C - Leave and secure the area, activate the emergency response, and notify trained personnel
The manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) for a reusable powered handpiece permit only steam sterilization. The loaner rigid container's IFU validates only vaporized hydrogen peroxide. The case is scheduled in 90 minutes. Which plan is defensible?
Correct answer: D - Replace the combination with one validated for the same sterilization cycle
A neurosurgical instrument contacted brain tissue in a patient later identified as high risk for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The instrument has not entered routine decontamination. What should occur first?
Correct answer: B - Segregate and quarantine it, restrict handling, and notify infection prevention
Cleaning reduces a device's viable bioburden from 1,000,000 organisms to 1,000. What does this result demonstrate?
Correct answer: A - A 3-log, 99.9% reduction, but not sterility
After a washer cycle, an ophthalmic instrument is culture-negative but retains Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin. Which statement best explains the remaining risk?
Correct answer: C - Endotoxin can persist after bacterial death and provoke a sterile inflammatory reaction
A reusable transvaginal ultrasound probe was used with an intact single-use sheath. The probe contacts mucous membranes. What is the minimum processing level before reuse?
Correct answer: C - High-level disinfection after thorough cleaning
CIDEX OPA has been in use for 10 days. Before the next manual cycle, a compatible test strip confirms at least the 0.3% minimum effective concentration; the solution is unexpired, at the required temperature, and visibly clean. The device and solution instructions for use are compatible. Which action is appropriate?
Correct answer: B - Proceed for the full manufacturer-specified contact time and document the cycle
A fresh ultrasonic-cleaner solution is prepared at the correct dilution and temperature. The technician immediately performs the approved cavitation test without running a degassing cycle; the test shows broad blank areas. What is the best next step?
Correct answer: D - Degas the solution as directed, then repeat the cavitation test
Three patients develop diffuse limbus-to-limbus corneal edema with minimal pain 18 to 24 hours after cataract surgery. Which processing cause should be investigated first?
Correct answer: A - Detergent residue, endotoxin, or contaminated final-rinse water in the ophthalmic sets
A cardiovascular tray is missing the clamp used for partial side-biting occlusion of a large vessel while maintaining some blood flow. Which replacement matches that function?
Correct answer: A - Satinsky clamp
The CSPDT exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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