Microbiology and Infection Control 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 Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers flashcards as text
Which type of hepatitis virus is MOST commonly transmitted via contaminated endoscopes due to inadequate reprocessing?
Answer: Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most frequently transmitted bloodborne pathogen linked to endoscope reprocessing failures in documented outbreaks.
What is the minimum contact time required for a high-level disinfectant to achieve its labeled efficacy against high-level disinfection organisms?
Answer: The manufacturer's minimum stated exposure time at the labeled concentration and temperature
Efficacy depends on following the exact manufacturer-specified contact time, concentration, and temperature parameters validated during FDA clearance.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant concern in endoscope reprocessing primarily because it:
Answer: Can colonize waterlines and recontaminate scopes during rinsing
P. aeruginosa thrives in biofilms within water supply lines and rinse water, making it a major source of post-HLD recontamination.
A biofilm found on the inner channel of an endoscope is MOST problematic because it:
Answer: Physically protects embedded microorganisms from chemical disinfectants
The extracellular polysaccharide matrix of biofilm shields bacteria from liquid chemical disinfectants, making thorough mechanical cleaning before HLD critical.
Which organism is used as the biological indicator to validate sterilization processes in most US healthcare settings?
Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization because of their high heat resistance.
When performing leak testing on a flexible endoscope, a continuous stream of bubbles from the insertion tube indicates:
Answer: A breach in the external sheath requiring repair before reprocessing continues
Continuous bubbling from the insertion tube signals a perforation or defect in the sheath that would allow fluid ingress and damage internal components.
The Spaulding Classification system categorizes flexible GI endoscopes as 'semicritical' because they:
Answer: Contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate sterile tissue
Semicritical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection rather than sterilization.