Endoscope Sterilization Methods 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 Endoscope Sterilization Methods flashcards as text
A technician finds that the chemical indicator inside a STERRAD sterilization pouch did not change color after the cycle. The BEST immediate action is:
Answer: Quarantine the load and investigate the cycle parameters before releasing items
A failed chemical indicator is a process failure signal; the load must be quarantined and the cycle investigated before any items are released for patient use.
Which statement about sterilization vs. high-level disinfection (HLD) for flexible GI endoscopes is TRUE according to current US guidelines?
Answer: HLD is the minimum standard for semi-critical flexible GI endoscopes when sterilization is not feasible
Current guidelines classify GI endoscopes as semi-critical devices for which HLD is the minimum acceptable standard, though sterilization is preferred when achievable.
The STERRAD NX sterilization system uses which active sterilant?
Answer: Hydrogen peroxide vapor
The STERRAD NX uses hydrogen peroxide vapor combined with a plasma phase to achieve sterilization at low temperatures.
Which condition MOST compromises the efficacy of chemical sterilization?
Answer: Residual organic soil or biofilm on the endoscope surfaces
Organic soil and biofilm protect microorganisms by acting as a physical barrier that prevents sterilant penetration, making thorough pre-cleaning essential.
What does the term 'Sterility Assurance Level (SAL)' of 10⁻⁶ mean?
Answer: There is a 1 in 1,000,000 probability of a single viable organism surviving on a sterilized item
SAL 10⁻⁶ means there is no more than a one-in-one-million probability that a single viable microorganism remains on a processed item.
Which endoscope type is most likely to require sterilization rather than high-level disinfection?
Answer: Arthroscope entering a sterile body cavity
Arthroscopes enter sterile body cavities (joints) and are classified as critical devices requiring sterilization under the Spaulding classification.
In EO sterilization, which factor does NOT directly affect sterilization efficacy?
Answer: Color of the packaging material
The color of packaging material has no bearing on sterilization efficacy; the critical parameters are EO concentration, humidity, temperature, and exposure time.