CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods 4

Question 1

A technician finds that the chemical indicator inside a STERRAD sterilization pouch did not change color after the cycle. The BEST immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Quarantine the load and investigate the cycle parameters before releasing items

Answer

A failed chemical indicator is a process failure signal; the load must be quarantined and the cycle investigated before any items are released for patient use.

Question 2

Which statement about sterilization vs. high-level disinfection (HLD) for flexible GI endoscopes is TRUE according to current US guidelines?

Accepted Answer

HLD is the minimum standard for semi-critical flexible GI endoscopes when sterilization is not feasible

Answer

Current guidelines classify GI endoscopes as semi-critical devices for which HLD is the minimum acceptable standard, though sterilization is preferred when achievable.

Question 3

The STERRAD NX sterilization system uses which active sterilant?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide vapor

Answer

The STERRAD NX uses hydrogen peroxide vapor combined with a plasma phase to achieve sterilization at low temperatures.

Question 4

Which condition MOST compromises the efficacy of chemical sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Residual organic soil or biofilm on the endoscope surfaces

Answer

Organic soil and biofilm protect microorganisms by acting as a physical barrier that prevents sterilant penetration, making thorough pre-cleaning essential.

Question 5

What does the term 'Sterility Assurance Level (SAL)' of 10⁻⁶ mean?

Accepted Answer

There is a 1 in 1,000,000 probability of a single viable organism surviving on a sterilized item

Answer

SAL 10⁻⁶ means there is no more than a one-in-one-million probability that a single viable microorganism remains on a processed item.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods 4