Sterile Storage, Transport and Distribution
Updated October 27, 2026
Once items are sterilized, they have to stay sterile until they’re used. Sterile Storage, Transport and Inventory Management is a content area of the CRCST exam. Here’s what to know, followed by free practice questions. Follow AAMI standards and your department’s policies, which set the details.
Event-related sterility
A sterile item stays sterile until an event compromises it, such as:
- A torn, wet, dropped or crushed package
- A broken seal or a damaged filter on a container
- Storage in conditions that aren’t allowed
Most facilities use event-related sterility rather than fixed expiration dates for items they process. Inspect every package before use.
Storage
- Store sterile items in a clean, controlled, limited-access area, away from sinks, windows and anything that could get them wet.
- Shelving clearances commonly used, from AAMI guidance: at least 8 to 10 inches above the floor, at least 18 inches below the ceiling or sprinkler heads, and at least 2 inches from outside walls.
- The bottom shelf should be solid, so dust and floor cleaning don’t reach items.
- Handle packages as little as possible, and don’t crush or stack them so tightly they’re damaged.
Stock rotation
Use first in, first out (FIFO): place new stock behind older stock so older items are used first.
Transport
Transport sterile items in covered or enclosed carts or containers, and keep clean and dirty items separate.
Free practice questions
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Under event-related sterility, when does a sterile package become unsterile?Answer: BUnder event-related sterility, a properly packaged item stays sterile until something happens to compromise the package, such as damage or moisture.
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How high above the floor should sterile items be stored, under common AAMI guidance?Answer: AKeeping items at least 8 to 10 inches above the floor protects them from floor cleaning, dust and moisture.
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How far below the ceiling or sprinkler heads should sterile items be stored?Answer: CAt least 18 inches below the ceiling or sprinkler heads allows proper sprinkler function and air circulation.
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What does FIFO mean in sterile storage?Answer: DFirst in, first out means older stock is used first, by placing new stock behind it.
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A sterile pack is found with a small tear in the wrap. What should be done?Answer: CAny tear breaks the sterile barrier, so the item is considered contaminated and must be reprocessed.
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How should sterile items be transported?Answer: ACovered or enclosed carts protect sterile items from contamination and damage during transport, and separating them from dirty items prevents cross-contamination.
Pass the CRCST exam on your first try
- All 207 questions on decontamination, disinfection, instruments, packaging, sterilization, storage, patient care equipment and professional skills
- An explanation for every answer, with the AAMI standard, CDC guideline or OSHA rule behind it
- Unlimited full 125-question practice exams, with each domain in its real share