CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a sign of light guide bundle degradation in a flexible endoscope?
- Increased image resolution
- Dark spots or reduced illumination during procedures (Correct answer)
- Stiffer insertion tube
- Elevated air pressure during leak testing
Correct answer: Dark spots or reduced illumination during procedures
Broken fibers in the light guide bundle appear as dark spots and reduce overall illumination delivered to the distal tip.
Question 2: When should a reprocessor perform a pre-cleaning inspection of an endoscope?
- Only after a difficult procedure
- Immediately after every patient use, before reprocessing begins (Correct answer)
- Only when the physician reports a problem
- At the start of each business day
Correct answer: Immediately after every patient use, before reprocessing begins
Post-procedure, pre-cleaning inspection is required after every use to identify damage before reprocessing chemicals or processes can obscure or worsen it.
Question 3: What does a 'positive' result on an endoscope leak test indicate?
- The scope is safe to reprocess
- The scope has a leak and must be removed from service (Correct answer)
- The pressure test was conducted correctly
- Disinfection was successful
Correct answer: The scope has a leak and must be removed from service
A positive leak test result means fluid or air is escaping from an unintended location, indicating a breach requiring repair before reprocessing.
Question 4: Which component seals the endoscope's electrical connections from fluid ingress during immersion?
- Angulation brake
- Water-resistant (waterproof) cap (Correct answer)
- Biopsy valve
- Distal lens cover
Correct answer: Water-resistant (waterproof) cap
The water-resistant cap is placed over the video connector during reprocessing to protect internal electrical components from fluid damage.
Question 5: A colonoscope consistently requires repair to the same location on the insertion tube. This pattern MOST likely indicates:
- A batch of defective scopes
- A procedural or handling technique issue by clinical staff (Correct answer)
- Inadequate high-level disinfection
- Normal wear that requires no intervention
Correct answer: A procedural or handling technique issue by clinical staff
Recurring damage at the same site suggests a consistent handling problem, such as improper technique during insertion, removal, or transport.
Question 6: What is the recommended method for drying endoscope channels prior to storage?
- Air drying in a horizontal position for 30 minutes
- Flushing with 70–90% isopropyl alcohol followed by forced air (Correct answer)
- Wiping channel openings with gauze
- Leaving channels filled with sterile water
Correct answer: Flushing with 70–90% isopropyl alcohol followed by forced air
Flushing channels with 70–90% isopropyl alcohol followed by forced air purging promotes rapid drying and prevents microbial growth during storage.
Question 7: Why should endoscope accessories such as biopsy forceps be inspected before each use?
- To confirm they are the correct color code
- To identify sharp edges, cracks, or defects that could damage internal channels (Correct answer)
- To verify they match the scope brand
- To confirm they have been autoclaved within the last 24 hours
Correct answer: To identify sharp edges, cracks, or defects that could damage internal channels
Defective accessories with burrs or sharp edges can lacerate the biopsy channel liner, requiring costly endoscope repair.
CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance 4
Which of the following is a sign of light guide bundle degradation in a flexible endoscope?