CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization sets sterilization standards for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?
- CDC only
- AAMI, AORN, and SGNA (Correct answer)
- OSHA exclusively
- The Joint Commission alone
Correct answer: AAMI, AORN, and SGNA
Multiple professional organizations including AAMI, AORN, and SGNA publish guidelines and standards relevant to endoscope sterilization and reprocessing.
Question 2: EO sterilization is most appropriate for endoscopes that are:
- Used in non-critical applications
- Heat and moisture sensitive and have long lumens with compatible materials (Correct answer)
- Made entirely of stainless steel
- Contaminated with prions
Correct answer: Heat and moisture sensitive and have long lumens with compatible materials
EO is effective for heat- and moisture-sensitive devices with complex lumens, as the gas penetrates packaging and reaches all surfaces when used correctly.
Question 3: The D-value in sterilization science refers to:
- The depth of penetration of a sterilant
- The time required to reduce a microbial population by 90% (Correct answer)
- The dose of radiation needed for sterilization
- The dilution factor of a chemical sterilant
Correct answer: The time required to reduce a microbial population by 90%
The D-value (decimal reduction time) is the time required to reduce a microbial population by one log (90%) under defined conditions.
Question 4: A biological indicator (BI) used to monitor EO sterilization contains spores of which organism?
- Geobacillus stearothermophilus
- Bacillus atrophaeus (Correct answer)
- Clostridium difficile
- Staphylococcus aureus
Correct answer: Bacillus atrophaeus
Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly B. subtilis var. niger) spores are used as the biological indicator for EO sterilization monitoring.
Question 5: Which sterilization method produces the fewest environmental and occupational safety concerns?
- Ethylene oxide
- Formaldehyde gas
- Hydrogen peroxide plasma (STERRAD) (Correct answer)
- Glutaraldehyde vapor
Correct answer: Hydrogen peroxide plasma (STERRAD)
Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization (STERRAD) produces only water and oxygen as by-products, presenting minimal environmental and occupational hazards.
Question 6: When sterilizing an endoscope with internal channels using a chemical sterilant, the most critical step is:
- Ensuring the outer surface is fully submerged
- Flushing all channels to ensure sterilant contact with luminal surfaces (Correct answer)
- Using the correct sterilant temperature
- Documenting the process before it begins
Correct answer: Flushing all channels to ensure sterilant contact with luminal surfaces
All lumens and channels must be actively perfused with sterilant to ensure contact kill of microorganisms on internal surfaces.
Question 7: What is the primary advantage of low-temperature sterilization methods over steam sterilization for endoscopes?
- They are faster and less expensive
- They are compatible with heat-sensitive materials without causing damage (Correct answer)
- They require no pre-cleaning step
- They are effective against prion diseases
Correct answer: They are compatible with heat-sensitive materials without causing damage
Low-temperature sterilization methods protect the heat-sensitive components of flexible endoscopes from damage caused by the high temperatures of steam sterilization.
CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods 3
Which organization sets sterilization standards for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?