CBSPD Sterile Processing Technician Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

During the decontamination process, negative pressure is maintained to ensure that contaminated air does not escape into the surrounding areas. This is crucial in a sterile processing environment, particularly in decontamination rooms, as it helps to contain any pathogens or hazardous materials that may be present in the air, thereby protecting staff and other areas of the facility from potential contamination.

Negative pressure works by creating a situation where the air pressure inside the decontamination room is lower than the surrounding areas. This encourages airflow into the room, which minimizes the risk of contaminants leaking out, thus maintaining a safe environment for both patients and personnel involved in sterile processing.

Positive pressure, on the other hand, is used in sterile environments where clean air is needed to keep contaminants from entering. Neutral pressure does not provide a specific containment or isolation effect, and high pressure can be detrimental to the safety and integrity of the equipment being processed. Therefore, maintaining negative pressure is essential for effective decontamination and infection control in sterile processing.