Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

How should sterile articles be rotated?

1. Take from the bottom, store at the top

2. Store from the bottom, take from the top

3. Store and take from any position

4. Store at the right, take from the left

The correct answer is: Store from the bottom, take from the top

The correct approach to rotating sterile articles involves a method that minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures that the oldest items are used first. By storing items from the bottom and taking from the top, you create a system that promotes the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle, which is essential in maintaining sterility and efficacy of the items. This method allows for easy access to the items that have been shelved the longest, ensuring they are used before their expiration dates or degradation. It also prevents any unnecessary handling of the stored items, as those that are more frequently accessed are located at the top, further reducing the risk of contamination from touching the items that are not used regularly. Other methods, such as taking from the bottom while storing at the top, could lead to older items being overlooked, which would increase the chance of using items past their prime. Storing and taking from any position might lead to disorganization and increased risk of contamination, as it doesn't enforce a clear system for access and rotation. Similarly, storing on one side and taking from another could complicate retrieval and tracking of item usage. Thus, the method of storing at the bottom and taking from the top is optimal for maintaining the integrity of sterile articles.