CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which low-temperature sterilization method uses hydrogen peroxide gas plasma?

Accepted Answer

STERRAD system (hydrogen peroxide gas plasma)

Answer

ETO sterilization

Answer

Peracetic acid immersion

Answer

Glutaraldehyde soaking

Question 2

Why is steam sterilization (autoclaving) generally NOT used for flexible endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

The high heat and moisture of autoclaving damages the flexible materials and adhesives in endoscopes

Answer

Steam does not kill bacterial spores

Answer

Steam sterilization takes too long

Answer

Steam sterilization requires special chemical indicators

Question 3

What is the Spaulding classification for flexible endoscopes that enter sterile body cavities (e.g., during ERCP)?

Accepted Answer

Critical — requires sterilization

Answer

Non-critical — requires low-level disinfection

Answer

Semi-critical — requires high-level disinfection

Answer

Non-critical — requires intermediate-level disinfection

Question 4

What is a key limitation of ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization for flexible endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

ETO requires long aeration times (12–24 hours) to remove toxic residues before use

Answer

ETO does not kill bacterial spores

Answer

ETO damages metal channels

Answer

ETO is only effective at high temperatures

Question 5

Peracetic acid immersion sterilization (e.g., SYSTEM 1E/EVOTECH) achieves sterilization at what temperature range?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 50–56°C

Answer

121–134°C

Answer

50–60°C

Answer

Room temperature (20–25°C)

Question 6

When should sterilization be considered instead of high-level disinfection for an endoscope?

Accepted Answer

When the endoscope will penetrate a sterile body cavity or contact sterile tissue

Answer

When the procedure takes longer than 30 minutes

Answer

When the patient is immunocompromised

Answer

When the endoscope has failed a previous HLD cycle