One-way workflow in sterile processing

CRCST practice question · Departmental Considerations

Which sequence correctly describes the one-way flow of instruments through a sterile processing department?

  • A. Preparation and packaging, decontamination, sterilization, sterile storage
  • B. Decontamination, sterilization, preparation and packaging, sterile storage
  • C. Sterile storage, decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization
  • D. Decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, sterile storage

Answer

D. Decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, sterile storage

Items move from dirty to clean: they are cleaned in decontamination, inspected and packaged in prep and pack, sterilized, then held in sterile storage. Sterilizing before packaging would leave items unprotected after the cycle, so that order is incorrect.

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