CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers

Question 1

A reprocessor is preparing a reusable high-level disinfectant (HLD) solution, such as glutaraldehyde, for use.
According to best practices, what must be done before immersing the first endoscope of the day?

Accepted Answer

Test the solution for its minimum effective concentration (MEC) using a product-specific test strip.

Answer

Record the date the solution was opened and discard it after 24 hours.

Answer

Add a neutralizing agent to the solution to prevent damage to the endoscope.

Answer

Heat the solution to 50°C (122°F) to accelerate the disinfection process.

Question 2

During a manual high-level disinfection process using ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), which of the following represents a critical parameter that must be strictly followed according to the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU)?

Accepted Answer

A 12-minute soak time at 20°C (68°F).

Answer

A 30-minute soak time at 15°C (59°F).

Answer

A 5-minute soak time at any ambient temperature.

Answer

A 20-minute soak time followed by an alcohol rinse only.

Question 3

A facility's automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) completes a high-level disinfection cycle. Which of the following is the most critical next step to prevent recontamination of the endoscope before storage?

Accepted Answer

Thorough rinsing with sterile or filtered water, followed by an alcohol flush and forced air drying.

Answer

Wiping the exterior with a sterile gauze.

Answer

A final rinse with unfiltered tap water.

Answer

Immediate placement in a non-ventilated cabinet.

Question 4

When selecting a high-level disinfectant for endoscope reprocessing, which characteristic of Peracetic Acid is a notable advantage?

Accepted Answer

It lacks toxic aldehyde vapors and has environmentally friendly byproducts (acetic acid and oxygen).

Answer

It is non-corrosive to all metals, including brass and copper.

Answer

It requires an alkaline activator before each use.

Answer

It has a long reuse life, typically exceeding 60 days.

Question 5

A reprocessing technician is documenting the manual HLD process for a colonoscope. Which of the following data points is LEAST critical to record in the reprocessing log?

Accepted Answer

The name of the patient the endoscope was previously used on.

Answer

The lot number of the high-level disinfectant.

Answer

The result of the MEC test strip.

Answer

The soak time and temperature of the disinfection.

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios would require the immediate disposal of a reusable high-level disinfectant solution, regardless of the number of days it has been in use?

Accepted Answer

The test strip indicates a concentration below the Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC).

Answer

The temperature of the solution drops slightly below the manufacturer's recommendation.

Answer

The logbook for the solution is misplaced.

Answer

A new brand of test strips is introduced for use with the existing solution.