CRCST Practice Exam

The term you are looking for is terminal sterilization. This process refers specifically to the sterilization of items that are already packaged and is typically performed just before the items are delivered for use. Terminal sterilization is critical in ensuring that the contents of the package remain sterile, thus reducing the risk of contamination and infection when the instruments or devices are later unpacked for clinical use.

In terminal sterilization, approaches such as steam sterilization, ethylene oxide, or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma may be employed based on the materials of the packaging and the specific instruments being sterilized. This method is essential for maintaining sterility over the packaging duration and until the point of use.

The other options do not accurately represent the process of sterilizing packaged items. For instance, primary sterilization is not a standardized term in sterile processing, while initial sterilization would imply the first attempt at sterilization before the item is packaged. Secondary sterilization suggests a follow-up process, which does not accurately depict the typical sterilization techniques applied to packaged items.