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

What does the term "pathogenic" refer to?

1. Non-infectious

2. Beneficial

3. Disease-producing

4. Preventative

The correct answer is: Disease-producing

The term "pathogenic" specifically refers to organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that are capable of causing disease in a host. When something is described as pathogenic, it indicates that it can introduce infection or illness due to its ability to disrupt normal biological functions. In the context of sterile processing and distribution, understanding the concept of pathogenic organisms is crucial as these are the types of microorganisms that healthcare facilities work to eliminate through sterilization and disinfection processes. This addresses the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which is a top priority in sterile processing. The other terms do not apply in this context: "non-infectious" pertains to organisms that do not cause disease, "beneficial" refers to organisms that may have a positive role in health (like probiotics), and "preventative" typically describes measures taken to avoid disease but does not define any characteristics of the organisms themselves. These distinctions emphasize why "disease-producing" is the accurate definition related to pathogenicity.