ICE Instrument Processing and Sterilization Practice Questions
About a quarter of the ICE exam: moving instruments from dirty to sterile, choosing the sterilizer and proving that it worked.
Ten ICE questions on process instruments and devices, with an explanation after each answer. Your first attempt is free.
Or take the full 75-question ICE practice exam- 45 original Process Instruments and Devices questions, each answer explained
- 26% of the ICE exam, about 19 of 75 questions
- Domain III of DANB’s ICE outline, effective March 12, 2025
Why should the lid be kept on the ultrasonic cleaner while it is running?
What the Process Instruments and Devices domain covers
- Transporting contaminated instruments and following workflow patterns
- Cleaning with chemical agents and ultrasonic cleaners
- Selecting a sterilization system, packaging and labeling, loading and unloading the sterilizer
- Storing items and keeping them sterile
- Monitoring sterilizers and ultrasonic cleaners: choosing indicators, reading results and responding to malfunctions
This list is our own summary. DANB publishes the full outline, references and acronym list in its ICE Exam Outline and References.
Drill process instruments and devices, then sit the full exam
Ten ICE questions on process instruments and devices, with an explanation after each answer. Your first attempt is free.
Or take the full 75-question ICE practice examIdeas the questions test most
- Instruments move one way: receiving and cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage.
- An ultrasonic cleaner cleans by cavitation; it does not disinfect or sterilize.
- Chemical indicators show exposure to conditions; only biological indicators (spore tests) prove sterilization.
- The CDC calls for spore testing at least weekly and with every load containing an implantable device.
- After a positive spore test, take the sterilizer out of service, review procedures and retest.
Start the free Process Instruments and Devices drill · ICE mixed drill · Full 75-question ICE practice exam
Common questions
How often should sterilizers be spore tested?
At least weekly, and with every load that contains an implantable device, according to the CDC. Mechanical monitoring is checked every cycle and chemical indicators go in every package.
What happens after a positive spore test?
The sterilizer is taken out of service and loading, packaging and operating procedures are reviewed, then it is retested. If the repeat test is also positive, items processed since the last negative test are recalled and reprocessed, and the sterilizer stays out of service until it is repaired and passes.
Which spores test steam sterilizers?
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are used for steam and unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizers; Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used for dry heat.
Ten ICE questions on process instruments and devices, with an explanation after each answer. Your first attempt is free.
Or take the full 75-question ICE practice examOther ICE domains
Domains, weights and format from DANB, checked November 2026: DANB: Infection Control (ICE) exam · DANB ICE Exam Outline and References (effective 03/12/2025).
Original independent practice, written from DANB’s public exam outlines. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). DANB, RHS, ICE, CDA and Certified Dental Assistant are marks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.