CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers

Question 1

Immediately following a procedure, what is the required first step in handling a contaminated flexible endoscope before it is transported to the decontamination area?

Accepted Answer

Perform point-of-use treatment by wiping the exterior and flushing channels with detergent.

Answer

Place it in a puncture-resistant, sealed container.

Answer

Detach all removable valves and place them in a separate bag.

Answer

Rinse the entire endoscope under running tap water.

Question 2

According to SGNA and AAMI guidelines, which set of characteristics is required for a container used to transport a contaminated endoscope to the reprocessing area?

Accepted Answer

Puncture-resistant, leak-proof with a lid, and labeled as a biohazard.

Answer

Soft-sided, absorbent, and clearly labeled with the procedure time.

Answer

Transparent, filled with saline, and ventilated.

Answer

Small enough to ensure the endoscope is coiled tightly to prevent movement.

Question 3

A technician is storing a properly reprocessed and dried endoscope. Which of the following describes the ideal storage method according to AAMI ST91?

Accepted Answer

Hung vertically in a dedicated cabinet that provides positive pressure with HEPA-filtered air.

Answer

Coiled horizontally in a closed, sterile peel-pack.

Answer

Placed in its original carrying case on a shelf in a clean utility room.

Answer

Submerged in 70% isopropyl alcohol in a covered basin.

Question 4

A facility's policy, based on a risk assessment, states that a high-level disinfected endoscope cannot be used if it has been in storage for more than 14 days without being reprocessed. What is the primary infection control reason for this "hang time" policy?

Accepted Answer

To mitigate the risk of microbial growth in any potential residual moisture.

Answer

To allow time for any residual chemical disinfectant to evaporate completely.

Answer

To ensure the endoscope's internal electronic components are reset.

Answer

To comply with the endoscope manufacturer's specified expiration date.

Question 5

When removing a reprocessed endoscope from a clean storage cabinet to transport it to the procedure room, what is a critical step for the handler to perform to prevent contamination?

Accepted Answer

Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of clean gloves.

Answer

Use sterile gloves and place the scope in a sterile transport tray.

Answer

Wipe the endoscope down with a 70% alcohol solution.

Answer

Flush the channels with sterile water as a final rinse.

Question 6

A reprocessor is placing a clean and dried colonoscope into a storage cabinet. They hang the scope vertically but allow the distal tip to rest on the bottom surface of the cabinet. This practice is incorrect primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Can cause damage to the delicate lens and other components at the distal end.

Answer

Prevents proper air circulation around the distal tip.

Answer

Violates the principle of keeping the scope's control body at the highest point.

Answer

Makes it difficult to close the cabinet door securely.