CER Decontamination and Manual Cleaning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'soak time' refer to in manual endoscope cleaning?
- The time the scope spends in high-level disinfectant
- The minimum time the scope should be immersed in enzymatic solution per manufacturer instructions (Correct answer)
- The drying time after rinsing
- The time between procedure and transport to the reprocessing room
Correct answer: The minimum time the scope should be immersed in enzymatic solution per manufacturer instructions
Soak time is the manufacturer-specified minimum immersion period in enzymatic solution needed for enzymes to break down organic soil effectively.
Question 2: Why must reusable cleaning brushes be reprocessed between patients?
- To maintain bristle stiffness
- To prevent cross-contamination of microorganisms between patients (Correct answer)
- To remove enzymatic cleaner residue that damages bristles
- Because regulatory agencies require daily brush sterilization
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination of microorganisms between patients
Reusable brushes can harbor pathogens and must be thoroughly cleaned and reprocessed between each patient use to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 3: What action should be taken if visible soil remains in an endoscope channel after the first brushing pass?
- Proceed directly to high-level disinfection
- Continue brushing until all visible soil is removed (Correct answer)
- Soak in disinfectant to dissolve remaining soil
- Document the finding and proceed with reprocessing
Correct answer: Continue brushing until all visible soil is removed
All visible soil must be removed by repeating brushing before proceeding, because retained bioburden can protect microorganisms from disinfection.
Question 4: Which valve or port on the endoscope requires individual brushing during manual cleaning?
- Only the biopsy port
- All removable valves and port openings per manufacturer instructions (Correct answer)
- Only valves that appear visibly soiled
- Only the suction valve and air/water valve
Correct answer: All removable valves and port openings per manufacturer instructions
All removable valves, buttons, and port openings must be individually cleaned and brushed as specified by the manufacturer to ensure complete decontamination.
Question 5: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required during the manual cleaning of endoscopes?
- Gloves only
- Gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face shield or mask with eye protection (Correct answer)
- N95 respirator and double gloves only
- Standard precautions with regular surgical mask
Correct answer: Gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face shield or mask with eye protection
Manual cleaning generates aerosols and splatter, requiring gloves, fluid-resistant gown, and face/eye protection to protect the reprocessing staff.
Question 6: How should the biopsy port cap be cleaned during endoscope reprocessing?
- Wiped with an alcohol swab only
- Removed, cleaned, and reprocessed separately per manufacturer instructions (Correct answer)
- Left in place and flushed with enzymatic solution
- Replaced with a new cap after each procedure
Correct answer: Removed, cleaned, and reprocessed separately per manufacturer instructions
Removable port caps must be detached and individually cleaned to ensure all surfaces are accessible and free of soil.
Question 7: What is the purpose of flushing all channels with enzymatic solution during manual cleaning?
- To sterilize the internal lumens
- To ensure enzymatic solution contacts all internal surfaces for effective soil removal (Correct answer)
- To test for leaks before high-level disinfection
- To remove residual lubricant from the previous procedure
Correct answer: To ensure enzymatic solution contacts all internal surfaces for effective soil removal
Flushing channels with enzymatic solution ensures the cleaning agent reaches all internal surfaces to break down organic soil prior to brushing.
CER Decontamination and Manual Cleaning 3
What does 'soak time' refer to in manual endoscope cleaning?