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

How long can sterile items that are protected from the environment remain sterile?

1. 48 hours

2. Indefinitely

3. Up to one week

4. 30 days

The correct answer is: Indefinitely

Sterile items that are adequately protected from environmental contamination can remain sterile indefinitely as long as their packaging is intact and they are stored in a controlled environment free from contamination risks. This means maintaining proper conditions such as temperature, humidity, and avoiding exposure to pollutants or unsterilized items. The concept behind this principle relies on the idea that once an item has been sterilized, its sterility is preserved by the barrier provided by its packaging. If the barrier remains intact and the sterile item is not exposed to potentially harmful microorganisms, then the sterility can be maintained over an extended period, theoretically allowing it to remain sterile indefinitely. In a practical sense, while indefinite sterility is possible, it is also important to have guidelines in place regarding the monitoring and management of sterile items to ensure that their potency is continuously verified, especially if they are stored for extended periods.