MSPT Certification Exam Practice

Medical Sterile Processing Technician (MSPT) Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the most effective method for sterilizing

heat-sensitive instruments?

• Autoclave
• Boiling
• Ethylene oxide gas
• Steam under pressure

Rationale: Ethylene oxide gas is used for sterilizing heat- and moisture-

sensitive instruments because it does not damage delicate equipment.

• The process of removing visible soil and organic material from

instruments before sterilization is called: 1 / 4

• Disinfection
• Decontamination
• Sterilization
• Sanitization

Rationale: Decontamination involves cleaning instruments to remove

visible soil and reduce microbial load before sterilization.

• Which of the following is a critical item that must be sterilized before

use?

• Stethoscope
• Blood pressure cuff
• Surgical instruments
• Thermometer

Rationale: Critical items enter sterile tissue or the vascular system and

must be sterilized to prevent infection.

• What is the minimum exposure time for a standard steam autoclave at

121°C (250°F)?

• 5 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 60 minutes
• 10 minutes

Rationale: Standard sterilization of instruments in a gravity displacement

autoclave requires 121°C for 30 minutes to ensure sterilization. 2 / 4

• Which organization sets standards for sterilization and disinfection in

healthcare?

A. OSHA

B. CDC

C. FDA

D. EPA

Rationale: The CDC provides guidelines for infection control, including

sterilization and disinfection in healthcare settings.

• Mechanical cleaning of surgical instruments is typically performed

using:

• Autoclave
• Ultrasonic cleaner
• Ethylene oxide
• Boiling water

Rationale: Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to remove debris from

instruments before sterilization.

• Which of the following is considered a semi-critical item?
• Scalpel
• Endoscope
• Syringe
• Forceps 3 / 4

Rationale: Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact

skin and require high-level disinfection.

• What is the primary purpose of biological indicators in sterilization?
• Measure temperature
• Check moisture levels
• Confirm sterilization effectiveness
• Track instrument usage

Rationale: Biological indicators contain spores that test whether

sterilization conditions were adequate.

• The proper way to handle contaminated instruments after surgery is

to:

• Rinse and place in a drawer
• Transport in a closed, puncture-resistant container
• Place directly in a clean tray
• Wrap in cloth for later cleaning

Rationale: Contaminated instruments must be transported safely to

prevent exposure and maintain infection control.

• What is the first step in the decontamination process?
• Packaging
• Sterilization
• Pre-soaking in enzymatic solution
• Drying
• / 4