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

Microorganisms found on contaminated items are referred to as what?

1. Pathogens

2. Bioburden

3. Vectors

4. Infectious agents

The correct answer is: Bioburden

The term referring to microorganisms found on contaminated items is bioburden. Bioburden refers specifically to the number of viable microorganisms that are present on a surface or in a sample before sterilization or disinfection. It is a critical aspect in the context of sterile processing as it helps in determining the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Pathogens, while they can be included in bioburden, specifically denote microorganisms that can cause disease, making the term more limited in scope. Vectors are organisms, typically insects, that transmit pathogens but are not synonymous with the microorganisms themselves. Infectious agents broadly include any substance or organism that is capable of causing disease but does not specifically focus on contamination levels on items. The precise terminology of bioburden thus emphasizes the quantifiable presence of microorganisms, facilitating better evaluation and management of sterilization processes.