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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the CBSPD Sterile Processing Technician Exam. Practice effectively with flashcards, comprehensive questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Ensure your readiness for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What should be done with EO cartridges and gloves used to handle them at the end of the sterilization cycle?

Reused
Cleaned and stored
Discarded
Returned to the supplier

The correct answer is: Discarded

At the end of the sterilization cycle, it is essential to discard ethylene oxide (EO) cartridges and gloves used to handle them. Ethylene oxide is a potent sterilant that can pose health risks due to its toxicity and potential carcinogenic effects. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent any accidental exposure or contamination. The cartridges contain leftover EO gas and should not be reused or returned to suppliers because residual chemicals can remain that may be harmful. Gloves used during this process should also be discarded since they may have come into contact with EO gas, making them a potential source of contamination. By discarding both the cartridges and gloves, the risk of exposure to this hazardous substance is effectively mitigated, and safety protocols are upheld in the sterile processing environment.