Sterile processing glossary

The terms you need to know for the CRCST exam, each with a plain definition and what the exam tends to ask.

• Biological indicator (BI)
• Bowie-Dick test
• Box lock
• Chemical indicator (CI)
• Chemical indicator classes
• Decontamination
• Enzymatic detergent
• Ethylene oxide (EO)
• Event-related sterility
• First in, first out (FIFO)
• Gravity displacement sterilizer
• High-level disinfection (HLD)
• HIPAA
• Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
• Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS)
• Implant
• Instructions for use (IFU)
• Instrument milk
• Instrument set weight limit
• Leak test (endoscopes)
• Load record
• Negative air pressure
• Peel pouch
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Point-of-use treatment
• Positive air pressure
• Prevacuum steam sterilizer
• Prion
• Process challenge device (PCD)
• Recall (sterilizer)
• Rigid container system
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Spaulding classification
• Standard precautions
• Sterile storage requirements
• Sterility assurance level (SAL)
• Tungsten carbide inserts
• Ultrasonic cleaner
• Washer-disinfector
• Wet pack
• Workflow (one-way)