CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of damage is most commonly associated with improper coiling of flexible endoscopes during transport?
- Lens discoloration
- Angulation wire breakage
- Light guide fiber fracture (Correct answer)
- Air/water channel blockage
Correct answer: Light guide fiber fracture
Tight or improper coiling stresses the light guide bundle, causing individual fibers to fracture and resulting in black spots in the image.
Question 2: When inspecting an endoscope's insertion tube, a visible kink indicates:
- Normal wear requiring no action
- Damage requiring repair before reuse (Correct answer)
- A sterilization artifact that resolves after processing
- A cosmetic defect with no clinical significance
Correct answer: Damage requiring repair before reuse
A kinked insertion tube indicates structural damage to the braid or coil layers that compromises function and must be repaired before clinical use.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum bend radius specification used when storing flexible endoscopes in a drying cabinet?
- Less than 10 cm
- As specified by the manufacturer's IFU (Correct answer)
- At least 30 cm regardless of scope size
- No bend radius limit applies in drying cabinets
Correct answer: As specified by the manufacturer's IFU
Manufacturers specify minimum bend radii in their IFUs to prevent internal component stress during storage; these values vary by model.
Question 4: A technician notices the up/down angulation control is stiff but the left/right control moves freely. The most likely cause is:
- A broken angulation chain on the up/down axis (Correct answer)
- Corrosion in the universal cord
- Debris in the air/water valve
- A faulty light source connector
Correct answer: A broken angulation chain on the up/down axis
Stiffness in one angulation axis while the other moves freely typically indicates a broken or stretched angulation chain or wire in that specific axis.
Question 5: Which preventive maintenance task should be performed on endoscope valves and caps after every use?
- Lubrication with petroleum-based grease
- Inspection for cracks, tears, and O-ring integrity (Correct answer)
- Autoclaving to ensure sterility
- Replacement regardless of visible condition
Correct answer: Inspection for cracks, tears, and O-ring integrity
Valves and caps must be inspected after each use for cracks, tears, and O-ring integrity to ensure leak-tight function during reprocessing and use.
Question 6: What does a positive leak test result (pressure drop detected) indicate?
- The endoscope is properly sealed and ready for HLD
- There is a breach in the endoscope's waterproof integrity (Correct answer)
- The leak tester battery is low and needs replacement
- Normal pressure equalization between internal and external environments
Correct answer: There is a breach in the endoscope's waterproof integrity
A pressure drop during leak testing indicates that the endoscope's protective sheath or internal seals have been breached, allowing fluid ingress.
Question 7: When should the air/water and suction channel brushes be replaced during endoscope reprocessing?
- Only when visibly damaged or frayed
- After every 10 uses per manufacturer recommendation
- After every use per SGNA guidelines (Correct answer)
- Monthly during scheduled preventive maintenance
Correct answer: After every use per SGNA guidelines
SGNA guidelines recommend single-use channel brushes or, if reusable, meticulous reprocessing after every use to prevent cross-contamination.
CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance Questions and Answers 3
Which type of damage is most commonly associated with improper coiling of flexible endoscopes during transport?