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
When using an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), which action is the technician's responsibility after the cycle ends?
Answer: Verify cycle completion, document results, and dry the scope per protocol
After AER cycle completion, the technician must verify the cycle printout, document the results, and perform appropriate drying before storage or use.
Which scenario represents a break in the HLD process that requires the scope to be reprocessed from the beginning?
Answer: The scope was fully immersed but the channel ports were not connected to the HLD flow
If internal channels are not perfused with HLD solution, microorganisms inside those channels are not exposed to the disinfectant, invalidating the disinfection process.
What is the significance of the 'reuse life' versus 'shelf life' of an HLD solution?
Answer: Shelf life is before opening; reuse life is how long the opened solution remains effective
Shelf life refers to the unopened product's expiration date, while reuse life is the period after activation that the solution remains above MRC during repeated use.
A CER technician is asked to reprocess a bronchoscope used in a suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) patient. What should the technician know about HLD and C. diff?
Answer: C. diff spores resist HLD; sterilization or sporicidal agents are required for critical items
C. diff spores are resistant to standard HLD; while the vegetative cells are killed, spores survive, making sporicidal treatment or sterilization preferable for critical instruments.
Which of the following practices is required to prevent aerosolization of HLD chemicals during manual reprocessing?
Answer: Keeping the HLD basin covered when the scope is soaking
Keeping the basin covered during the soak reduces vapor release and chemical exposure to staff, and is a standard occupational safety requirement.
What information must be recorded in the HLD processing log for each scope reprocessed?
Answer: Patient name, scope ID, HLD lot number, MRC test result, technician ID, and date/time
Complete traceability requires documenting patient identification, scope ID, HLD lot/expiration, MRC test result, technician ID, and the date and time of processing.
Which factor determines whether an endoscope requires high-level disinfection versus sterilization?
Answer: The Spaulding classification of the body cavity or tissue the scope contacts
The Spaulding classification system categorizes devices by the level of infection risk based on the type of tissue they contact, determining the required level of reprocessing.