CER CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Chemical Disinfectants and Germicides Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

Which factor most significantly reduces the efficacy of glutaraldehyde when reprocessing endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

Presence of organic soil on the device

Answer

Organic soil (blood, mucus, bioburden) acts as a physical barrier that shields microorganisms from the disinfectant, dramatically reducing germicidal efficacy.

Question 2

A healthcare facility wants to switch from 2.4% glutaraldehyde to ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA). Which statement about OPA is correct?

Accepted Answer

OPA does not require activation before use

Answer

Unlike glutaraldehyde, OPA (e.g., Cidex OPA) is a ready-to-use, pre-activated solution that does not require mixing or activation.

Question 3

The minimum effective concentration (MEC) test strip for a glutaraldehyde-based HLD solution reads below the MEC. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Discard the solution immediately and document the result

Answer

A solution that tests below the MEC can no longer reliably achieve high-level disinfection and must be discarded immediately per manufacturer and CDC guidelines.

Question 4

Peracetic acid (PAA) automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) are often preferred over manual glutaraldehyde soaking primarily because they:

Accepted Answer

Reduce worker exposure to toxic chemical vapors

Answer

PAA-based AERs reduce occupational chemical exposure because the chemical is contained within a closed-loop system, limiting vapor release to staff.

Question 5

Which concentration of hydrogen peroxide is approved for high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive endoscopes when used at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

6–7.5%

Answer

A 7.5% (and some 6%) hydrogen peroxide formulation is FDA-cleared for HLD of heat-sensitive medical devices at room temperature.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Chemical Disinfectants and Germicides Questions and Answers 4