Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers 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 Questions and Answers flashcards as text
Which biological indicator (BI) organism is used to monitor ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization cycles?
Answer: Bacillus atrophaeus spores
Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly B. subtilis var. niger) spores are the standard biological indicator for ETO sterilization due to their high resistance to the ETO sterilant.
According to AAMI standards, biological indicators must be used with every sterilization load containing which type of items?
Answer: Implantable devices
AAMI ST79 requires that implantable devices be monitored with a biological indicator in every load, and the load should be quarantined until the BI result is confirmed negative.
Which class of chemical indicator is considered the most comprehensive, responding to all critical sterilization parameters for a specific cycle type?
Answer: Class 6 — emulating indicators
Class 6 emulating indicators are cycle-specific and react to all critical parameters (time, temperature, sterilant concentration) calibrated to a specific sterilization cycle.
When a positive biological indicator result is confirmed after a sterilization cycle, what is the required immediate action?
Answer: Quarantine all items from the load and initiate a recall investigation
A positive BI indicates sterilization failure; all items from the affected load must be quarantined, a recall initiated, and the sterilizer taken out of service pending investigation.
Before each use of a liquid peracetic acid sterilization system, what quality control step is REQUIRED?
Answer: Test the sterilant concentration with a manufacturer-approved test strip
The concentration of peracetic acid must be confirmed with an approved test strip before each cycle to ensure the sterilant meets the minimum effective concentration.
What minimum records must be documented for each sterilization cycle per regulatory and accreditation standards?
Answer: Cycle number, date, load contents, operator identification, and monitoring results
Complete cycle documentation enables traceability for recalls and must include cycle number, date and time, load contents, operator ID, and results of all monitoring (chemical and biological).
What corrective action is required when a sterilization cycle experiences a confirmed parameter deviation, such as an unplanned temperature drop during the cycle?
Answer: Quarantine the entire load and investigate before any items are released
Any cycle parameter deviation requires quarantine of the affected load until a thorough investigation is completed, because compromised parameters may result in inadequate sterilization.