Decontamination and Manual Cleaning Flashcards
7 cards from real CER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Decontamination and Manual Cleaning flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of pre-cleaning an endoscope immediately after a procedure?
Answer: To remove gross soil before transport to the reprocessing area
Pre-cleaning removes gross soil and bioburden at the point of use, preventing soil from drying and making subsequent cleaning more effective.
Which type of brush is recommended for cleaning the instrument channel of a flexible endoscope?
Answer: A brush sized exactly to the channel diameter per manufacturer instructions
Brushes must match the channel diameter as specified by the endoscope manufacturer to ensure effective contact with channel walls without causing damage.
How many times should a channel brush be passed through an endoscope channel during manual cleaning?
Answer: Until the brush emerges visibly clean
Brushing should continue until the brush emerges free of visible soil, ensuring thorough removal of debris from the channel.
What should be done with single-use cleaning brushes after reprocessing an endoscope?
Answer: Discard after each use
Single-use cleaning brushes must be discarded after each use to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
During manual cleaning, why should the endoscope be submerged in cleaning solution?
Answer: To reduce splashing and minimize aerosolization of contaminants
Submerging the scope during cleaning reduces the risk of splashing and aerosolization of potentially infectious material, protecting the reprocessing technician.
What is the correct dilution practice for enzymatic cleaners used in endoscope reprocessing?
Answer: Follow the manufacturer's recommended dilution exactly
Enzymatic cleaners must be diluted exactly per manufacturer instructions to ensure efficacy without leaving harmful residues.
Which water temperature is generally recommended for mixing enzymatic cleaning solutions for endoscopes?
Answer: Lukewarm water per manufacturer specifications, typically 20–35°C
Lukewarm water within the manufacturer's specified temperature range optimizes enzymatic activity without denaturing the enzymes.