Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Certification Practice Test

Long or wired instruments must be loaded so they stay separated and secure, protecting delicate parts and allowing effective cleaning and sterilization. Avoid nesting—when instruments nest together, they can bend, chip tips, trap debris, and prevent 流 detergents or sterilant from reaching all surfaces. Keep lumen entries accessible so cleaning agents can flush through and verification can occur, ensuring hollow shafts are clear. Use racks or baskets to maintain separation and prevent movement during cycles. Place delicate tips up or to the side to prevent bending or contact with other instruments. And avoid overloading the tray, which restricts circulation of cleaning agents and sterilant and can leave areas inadequately treated. Putting instruments in a nested arrangement, tipping tips downward, or packing trays too full increases the risk of damage and compromises cleaning and sterilization.