CBSPD Endoscope Reprocessing and Flexible Scope Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum level of disinfection required for flexible endoscopes used in semi-critical procedures?
- Low-level disinfection
- High-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Sterilization
- Intermediate-level disinfection
Correct answer: High-level disinfection
Semi-critical devices like flexible endoscopes require high-level disinfection (HLD) to eliminate all microorganisms except high levels of bacterial spores.
Question 2: Which step must be performed immediately after a flexible endoscope is removed from the patient?
- Manual cleaning in enzymatic solution
- Point-of-use wiping and flushing of channels (Correct answer)
- Soaking in glutaraldehyde
- Leak testing
Correct answer: Point-of-use wiping and flushing of channels
Point-of-use treatment — wiping the exterior and flushing channels with water or enzymatic solution — must occur immediately to prevent biofilm formation.
Question 3: What is the purpose of leak testing a flexible endoscope?
- To verify sterilization efficacy
- To detect internal damage that could allow fluid ingress (Correct answer)
- To measure channel diameter
- To confirm cleaning chemical compatibility
Correct answer: To detect internal damage that could allow fluid ingress
Leak testing identifies breaches in the endoscope's internal structure that could allow fluids to enter and damage components or harbor pathogens.
Question 4: Which chemical is most commonly used as a high-level disinfectant for flexible endoscopes?
- Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- Peracetic acid or glutaraldehyde (Correct answer)
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Quaternary ammonium compound
Correct answer: Peracetic acid or glutaraldehyde
Glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid-based products (e.g., Cidex, Steris System 1) are the most commonly used high-level disinfectants for flexible endoscopes.
Question 5: After high-level disinfection, how should flexible endoscopes be rinsed?
- With tap water only
- With sterile water or filtered water (Correct answer)
- With 70% alcohol only
- Rinsing is not required
Correct answer: With sterile water or filtered water
Sterile or filtered water must be used for the final rinse to prevent recontamination from microorganisms present in tap water.
Question 6: How should flexible endoscopes be stored after reprocessing?
- Coiled tightly in a sealed plastic bag
- Hanging vertically in a ventilated cabinet with caps removed (Correct answer)
- Submerged in disinfectant solution
- Wrapped in sterile drapes in a drawer
Correct answer: Hanging vertically in a ventilated cabinet with caps removed
Endoscopes should be stored hanging vertically in a well-ventilated cabinet with all caps and valves removed to allow channels to dry and prevent moisture buildup.
CBSPD Endoscope Reprocessing and Flexible Scope Care 1
What is the minimum level of disinfection required for flexible endoscopes used in semi-critical procedures?