CER Automated Endoscope Reprocessors 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER)?
- To perform manual brushing of endoscope channels
- To automate the high-level disinfection and rinsing cycle for endoscopes (Correct answer)
- To sterilize endoscopes using ethylene oxide gas
- To store cleaned endoscopes in a sterile environment
Correct answer: To automate the high-level disinfection and rinsing cycle for endoscopes
AERs automate the high-level disinfection and rinsing process, reducing manual steps and human error in endoscope reprocessing.
Question 2: Before placing an endoscope into an AER, which step must always be completed first?
- Drying all channels with forced air
- Immersing the scope in sterile water
- Manual cleaning and leak testing (Correct answer)
- Applying a high-level disinfectant manually
Correct answer: Manual cleaning and leak testing
Manual cleaning and leak testing must precede AER use because the machine cannot remove gross bioburden and a leak could allow chemical infiltration into the scope body.
Question 3: Which document provides the primary guidance for validating AER cycles for endoscope reprocessing in the US?
- CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030
- EPA registration label for chemical germicides
- ANSI/AAMI ST91 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: ANSI/AAMI ST91
ANSI/AAMI ST91 is the primary US standard specifically addressing flexible and semi-rigid endoscope reprocessing, including AER validation requirements.
Question 4: When connecting an endoscope to an AER, which action is most critical for ensuring effective channel reprocessing?
- Setting the water temperature above 60°C
- Attaching all channel connectors according to the manufacturer's IFU (Correct answer)
- Running the AER on the longest available cycle
- Using distilled water instead of tap water for dilution
Correct answer: Attaching all channel connectors according to the manufacturer's IFU
Connecting all channel connectors per the manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU) ensures every lumen receives adequate disinfectant flow and rinsing.
Question 5: What is the recommended action when an AER cycle is interrupted before completion?
- Resume the cycle from where it stopped
- Remove the scope and use it if the disinfection phase was completed
- Repeat the full reprocessing cycle from manual cleaning (Correct answer)
- Perform a quick rinse and proceed with the scope
Correct answer: Repeat the full reprocessing cycle from manual cleaning
An interrupted AER cycle means the scope cannot be considered adequately reprocessed; the entire reprocessing sequence must be restarted from manual cleaning.
Question 6: How often should AER water filters typically be replaced?
- Only when the machine displays an error
- According to the AER manufacturer's recommended schedule in the IFU (Correct answer)
- Once per year regardless of use volume
- Every 90 days for all AER models
Correct answer: According to the AER manufacturer's recommended schedule in the IFU
Filter replacement intervals vary by AER model and use volume; the manufacturer's IFU specifies the correct schedule to maintain water quality and machine performance.
Question 7: Which type of water is recommended for the final rinse step in most AERs to prevent waterborne pathogen contamination?
- Tap water filtered through a 0.45-micron filter
- Distilled water from a commercial source
- Sterile water or filtered water meeting AAMI quality standards (Correct answer)
- Deionized water from a hospital pharmacy
Correct answer: Sterile water or filtered water meeting AAMI quality standards
Sterile or AAMI-quality filtered water for the final rinse prevents recontamination with waterborne organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or nontuberculous mycobacteria.
CER Automated Endoscope Reprocessors 1
What is the primary purpose of an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER)?