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

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When marking and identifying instruments, which of the following should NEVER be used?

  1. Indelible ink

  2. Labels

  3. Stickers

  4. Engraving

The correct answer is: Engraving

Engraving is the method that should never be used to mark and identify instruments. This is primarily because engraving can create crevices and irregular surfaces on instruments, which can harbor bacteria and be difficult to clean properly. Instruments must be free of any potential contamination and conducive to thorough cleaning and sterilization processes. In contrast, other methods such as indelible ink, labels, and stickers are often utilized because they can be applied and removed without compromising the integrity of the instrument. Indelible ink can provide clear, long-lasting identification without altering the surface of the instrument, while labels and stickers can be designed to be more easily removed or changed as needed, further supporting the need for careful and effective tracking of instruments without impacting their usability or hygiene.