CRCST Practice Exam

What is the purpose of an instrument stringer?

1. For keeping hinged instruments in open positions

2. For cutting medical strings

3. For measuring instrument size

4. For organizing instruments in a case

The correct answer is: For keeping hinged instruments in open positions

An instrument stringer is a tool used in central sterile processing to keep hinged instruments, such as scissors and forceps, in an open position during the cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization process. This helps ensure that all surfaces of the instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. These hinged instruments need to be kept open to allow proper cleaning and sterilization of all surfaces and joints, preventing any potential debris or contamination from remaining trapped in the closed position.