Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

In the final preparation for patient care equipment re-use, which is NOT included?

1. Placement of disassembled parts into a plastic bag

2. Visual inspection for damage

3. Sterilization if necessary

4. Documentation of the preparation process

The correct answer is: Placement of disassembled parts into a plastic bag

The process of preparing patient care equipment for re-use includes several critical steps to ensure safety and effectiveness. Visual inspection for damage is an essential step, as it allows for the identification of any wear or defects that could compromise the equipment's safety or functionality. Sterilization, whenever necessary, is crucial to eliminate any potential pathogens and ensure the device is safe for patient use. Documentation of the preparation process is vital as it provides a record of what steps were taken, ensuring compliance with protocols and improving traceability. Placing disassembled parts into a plastic bag, while it may be part of some practices for organization or transportation, is not a standard component of the final preparation steps for re-use of patient care equipment. The focus in that final preparation phase is more on sterility and inspection, rather than merely packaging the components. Therefore, this task does not align with the fundamental requirements aimed at ensuring that the equipment is ready and safe for the next use.