American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

Which department is responsible for maintaining sterile supplies?

1. Central Supply

2. Patient Care

3. Laboratory Services

4. Infection Control

The correct answer is: Central Supply

The department responsible for maintaining sterile supplies is Central Supply. This department plays a crucial role in healthcare facilities by ensuring that all surgical and procedural instruments, linens, and other essential supplies are properly sterilized and stored. The focus of Central Supply is on managing inventory, processing, and distributing sterile items to various departments throughout the facility, which is vital for preventing infections and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers. While other departments may also play a role in aspects related to infection prevention and control, they do not have the primary responsibility for the sterilization and maintenance of sterile supplies. For instance, Patient Care is more focused on delivering care directly to patients, while Laboratory Services primarily handles specimen collection and testing. Infection Control is dedicated to preventing infections and managing outbreak responses but relies on departments like Central Supply to ensure that the necessary sterile supplies are available for safe medical practices.