CBSPD Endoscope Reprocessing and Flexible Scope Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization's guidelines are most widely referenced for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?
- CDC and SGNA/AORN (Correct answer)
- FDA and EPA only
- OSHA and NIOSH
- Joint Commission exclusively
Correct answer: CDC and SGNA/AORN
The CDC, Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), and AORN all publish widely referenced guidelines for endoscope reprocessing.
Question 2: What does the term 'biofilm' mean in the context of endoscope reprocessing?
- A protective coating applied during manufacturing
- A community of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix on surfaces (Correct answer)
- A type of chemical used in HLD
- A measurement of endoscope cleanliness
Correct answer: A community of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix on surfaces
Biofilm is a structured community of microorganisms adhered to surfaces within a self-produced matrix, making them highly resistant to disinfection.
Question 3: What is the correct order of steps in manual endoscope reprocessing?
- Leak test → Pre-clean → Manual clean → HLD → Rinse → Dry → Store
- Pre-clean → Leak test → Manual clean → HLD → Rinse → Dry → Store (Correct answer)
- Manual clean → Leak test → Pre-clean → HLD → Store
- HLD → Manual clean → Rinse → Dry → Store
Correct answer: Pre-clean → Leak test → Manual clean → HLD → Rinse → Dry → Store
The correct sequence is pre-cleaning at point of use, leak testing, manual cleaning, high-level disinfection, rinsing, drying, and then storage.
Question 4: What is the significance of Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) when using liquid chemical sterilants/HLDs?
- It determines how long the chemical can be stored unopened
- It is the lowest concentration at which the disinfectant remains effective (Correct answer)
- It measures the pH of the solution
- It indicates the maximum safe exposure for staff
Correct answer: It is the lowest concentration at which the disinfectant remains effective
MEC is the lowest concentration at which a liquid chemical high-level disinfectant is still effective; solutions must be tested before each use with chemical test strips.
Question 5: Which type of endoscope channel brush is required during manual cleaning?
- Any available brush of approximate size
- A single-use or properly reprocessed brush sized to fit the channel diameter (Correct answer)
- A metal wire brush for rigorous scrubbing
- Brushing is optional if enzymatic soak is used
Correct answer: A single-use or properly reprocessed brush sized to fit the channel diameter
Single-use or properly reprocessed brushes that are correctly sized for each channel diameter are required to mechanically remove debris effectively.
Question 6: How long can a reprocessed flexible endoscope be stored before it must be reprocessed again if unused?
- Up to 7 days in a ventilated cabinet
- Storage time depends on facility policy, environmental conditions, and published guidelines (Correct answer)
- Indefinitely if stored in a sealed sterile bag
- Exactly 24 hours regardless of conditions
Correct answer: Storage time depends on facility policy, environmental conditions, and published guidelines
Hang time (safe storage duration) for reprocessed endoscopes varies by facility policy and is informed by published guidelines, typically ranging from 5 to 14 days in optimal conditions.
CBSPD Endoscope Reprocessing and Flexible Scope Care 2
Which organization's guidelines are most widely referenced for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?