CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

Which biological indicator (BI) organism is used to monitor ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization cycles?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus spores

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly B. subtilis var. niger) spores are the standard biological indicator for ETO sterilization due to their high resistance to the ETO sterilant.

Question 2

According to AAMI standards, biological indicators must be used with every sterilization load containing which type of items?

Accepted Answer

Implantable devices

Answer

AAMI ST79 requires that implantable devices be monitored with a biological indicator in every load, and the load should be quarantined until the BI result is confirmed negative.

Question 3

Which class of chemical indicator is considered the most comprehensive, responding to all critical sterilization parameters for a specific cycle type?

Accepted Answer

Class 6 — emulating indicators

Answer

Class 6 emulating indicators are cycle-specific and react to all critical parameters (time, temperature, sterilant concentration) calibrated to a specific sterilization cycle.

Question 4

When a positive biological indicator result is confirmed after a sterilization cycle, what is the required immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine all items from the load and initiate a recall investigation

Answer

A positive BI indicates sterilization failure; all items from the affected load must be quarantined, a recall initiated, and the sterilizer taken out of service pending investigation.

Question 5

Before each use of a liquid peracetic acid sterilization system, what quality control step is REQUIRED?

Accepted Answer

Test the sterilant concentration with a manufacturer-approved test strip

Answer

The concentration of peracetic acid must be confirmed with an approved test strip before each cycle to ensure the sterilant meets the minimum effective concentration.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER Endoscope Sterilization Methods Questions and Answers 4