High-Level Disinfection Processes 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 High-Level Disinfection Processes flashcards as text
What happens to the reuse life of an HLD solution when it is diluted by repeatedly immersing wet endoscopes?
Answer: The concentration drops and reuse life is shortened
Water introduced by wet scopes dilutes the HLD solution, lowering its concentration and potentially shortening the time it remains above the minimum required concentration.
According to AAMI ST91, what type of water should be used for the final rinse of a high-level disinfected endoscope?
Answer: Tap water filtered to 0.2 microns or sterile water
AAMI ST91 recommends sterile water or water filtered through a 0.2-micron filter for the final rinse to prevent recontamination of the scope.
Which of the following conditions would require discarding an HLD solution before its labeled reuse date?
Answer: The MRC test strip indicates concentration is below the minimum
If the MRC test indicates the solution has fallen below minimum required concentration, it must be discarded immediately regardless of the reuse date.
A gastroscope used on a patient with active tuberculosis requires which level of reprocessing?
Answer: High-level disinfection following standard reprocessing protocol
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is susceptible to high-level disinfectants, so standard HLD reprocessing protocol is appropriate and sufficient for this organism.
What is the recommended approach when an endoscope cannot be reprocessed immediately after patient use?
Answer: Perform pre-cleaning immediately and place it in enzymatic solution or dry transport
Pre-cleaning at point of use followed by transport in enzymatic solution or dry transport to the reprocessing area prevents biofilm formation and protects staff.
How should HLD chemicals be stored to maintain their stability?
Answer: According to manufacturer instructions, typically cool and away from light
HLD chemicals should be stored per manufacturer instructions, generally in cool, dark areas, to prevent premature degradation and maintain labeled potency.
Which organization sets national guidelines specifically addressing endoscope reprocessing and HLD in the United States?
Answer: CDC and AAMI, through guidelines such as ST91
The CDC and AAMI (through standard ST91) provide the primary national guidelines for endoscope reprocessing, including HLD procedures, in the United States.