CRCST Practice Exam

Which of the following protocols of PCD is INCORRECT?

1. The PCD should be a commercially prepared

2. The PCD should be labeled with a load number

3. The PCD should be placed in the center of the sterilizer

4. The PCD should contain appropriate BI

The correct answer is: The PCD should be a commercially prepared

The correct answer is A. The reason why this is incorrect is that PCDs (Process Challenge Devices) should not be commercially prepared. They should be assembled by the healthcare facility using the same materials as the items being sterilized to accurately represent the sterilization process. PCDs are meant to mimic the load being sterilized, so they need to be customized rather than commercially prepared. The other options are correct: B. The PCD should be labeled with a load number to track and identify it, C. The PCD should be placed in the center of the sterilizer for optimal exposure to the sterilizing agent, and D. The PCD should contain an appropriate Biological Indicator (BI) to verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process.