100+ Free CSIS Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CSIS Exam
100
Total Items
CBSPD CSIS
2 hrs
Exam Time
CBSPD
$135
Exam Fee
CBSPD
12 mo
SPD Experience
Or approved training program
CBSPD CSIS is the surgical instrument specialist credential. ~100 items, 2 hours, $135. Master instrument identification (Kelly/Crile/Mosquito/Mayo/Allis/Babcock; Mayo/Metzenbaum scissors; Weitlaner/Balfour/Bookwalter retractors; Mayo-Hegar/Castroviejo needle holders), gauze sharpness test, ratchet check, lap insulation testing, peel pouch loading (tip toward closure), and IUSS limits per AAMI ST79.
Sample CSIS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CSIS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which hemostatic clamp is the smallest and is most commonly used to clamp small vessels in delicate or pediatric procedures?
2What distinguishes a Kelly hemostat from a Crile hemostat?
3Which clamp has heavy, perpendicular jaw teeth (1x2) and is used to grasp dense, slippery tissue such as fascia?
4Which tissue forceps clamp has fenestrated, atraumatic jaws used for grasping bowel and other delicate hollow structures?
5Mayo dissecting scissors are typically used for what purpose?
6Which scissor is most often used for delicate dissection of fine tissue planes such as during bowel or vascular work?
7Iris scissors are most associated with which surgical specialty?
8Which retractor is a self-retaining retractor commonly found in superficial wound and orthopedic sets?
9Which retractor is a self-retaining frame retractor commonly used to hold open the abdomen during pelvic surgery?
10Bookwalter retractors are characterized by which design feature?
About the CSIS Exam
CBSPD specialist credential focused on surgical instrument identification, handling, inspection, assembly, and sterilization. Covers instrument anatomy and identification (clamps, scissors, retractors, needle holders, ortho/lap), cleaning and decontamination, inspection and testing (sharpness, ratchet, lap insulation), assembly and packaging, sterilization methods (steam, EtO, low-temp H2O2, IUSS), and tracking/QA.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
Scaled (CBSPD-set)
Exam Fee
$135 (CBSPD)
CSIS Exam Content Outline
Instrument ID & Anatomy
Hemostats (Kelly, Crile, Mosquito, Mayo), graspers (Allis, Babcock, Kocher), scissors, retractors, needle holders, ortho, lap
Inspection & Testing
Gauze sharpness test (4-layer, 2/3 down blade), ratchet check, box-lock alignment, lap insulation, staining patterns
Cleaning & Decontamination
Manual + ultrasonic (40-50 kHz cavitation), washer-disinfector, AAMI ST108 water quality, PPE
Assembly & Packaging
Count sheets, ratcheted instruments OPEN, Class 5 internal CI, peel pouch tip toward closure, tip protectors
Sterilization Methods
Steam prevac/gravity, EtO, low-temp H2O2 (incompatible with cellulosics), IUSS limits, BI/CI placement
Tracking & QA
Load records, recall workflow, repair vs replace, wet packs, event-related shelf life, CQI
How to Pass the CSIS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled (CBSPD-set)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: $135
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CSIS Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you test scissor sharpness?
Mayo dissecting scissors should cleanly cut through 4 layers of gauze 2/3 down the blade. Smaller scissors (iris, Metzenbaum) tested per IFU — many use red Test-Tabs or paper-cutting tests. Replace scissors that fail sharpness testing rather than continuing to issue dull instruments. Document inspection in repair/replace log.
How is laparoscopic insulation tested?
Use a high-frequency insulation tester (e.g., InsulScan) per device IFU — runs current along the shaft and detects any breaks in the insulation coating. Insulation failure causes capacitive coupling burns to non-target tissue (often outside the surgeon visual field). Test BEFORE every use and after cleaning; remove from service if any defect detected.
What does brown vs blue staining mean?
Brown stain is typically from protein/iron residue (incomplete cleaning, mineral deposits, retained blood) or from chlorides in tap water. Blue/black stain often indicates retained cold-sterilant residue (glutaraldehyde, OPA), or from dissimilar metals in contact. Distinguish from genuine pitting (chloride attack) requiring instrument retirement. Run instrument through repeat cleaning and re-inspect.
How should I study for CBSPD CSIS?
Plan 40-60 hours over 6-8 weeks. Focus on instrument identification with photographs (Kelly vs Crile vs Mosquito differences in length and serration; Mayo vs Metzenbaum scissor differences) — this is high-yield. Master sharpness/ratchet/insulation testing protocols. Know AAMI ST79 IUSS rules (no implants except documented emergencies) and Class 5 vs Class 6 chemical indicator placement.