CRCST Chapter 17 Practice Test: Sterile Storage and Transport

Once items are sterilized, maintaining their sterility depends on proper storage conditions and handling — a concept called event-related sterility. This chapter explains that items remain sterile until an event compromises the packaging: tears, punctures, moisture, crushed corners, or broken seals. Time alone does not break sterility when storage conditions are controlled. Proper storage requires closed shelving or cabinets (preferred), controlled temperature and humidity, protection from floor-level contamination (8-10 inches minimum clearance), FIFO rotation, and regular inspection before use. You will learn how to evaluate package integrity at the point of use, what constitutes a compromise event, and how to document and manage recalled items when storage conditions are breached.