CER Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum recommended height for stacking endoscope transport containers to prevent damage?
- Single layer only (Correct answer)
- Two containers high
- Three containers high
- As high as the shelf allows
Correct answer: Single layer only
Endoscope transport containers should not be stacked because the weight can damage sensitive internal components.
Question 2: Which action should be taken immediately if an endoscope is dropped during transport?
- Continue use if no visible damage is found
- Remove from service and inspect per facility protocol (Correct answer)
- Wipe the exterior and return to storage
- Place in transport container and complete the case first
Correct answer: Remove from service and inspect per facility protocol
A dropped endoscope must be removed from service immediately and inspected for damage before reuse, regardless of visible findings.
Question 3: When transporting a soiled endoscope through a hospital corridor, which container type is preferred?
- Open basin covered with a towel
- Sealed rigid container with biohazard labeling (Correct answer)
- Zip-lock plastic bag
- Cloth carrying case
Correct answer: Sealed rigid container with biohazard labeling
Sealed rigid containers with biohazard labeling contain contamination, protect the scope, and communicate risk to others.
Question 4: How should flexible endoscopes be positioned during vertical storage in a drying cabinet?
- Coiled on a shelf
- Hanging vertically with all caps removed (Correct answer)
- Laid flat on foam padding
- Submerged in alcohol solution
Correct answer: Hanging vertically with all caps removed
Vertical hanging with caps removed allows residual moisture to drain and air to circulate through all channels.
Question 5: Which condition in an endoscope storage cabinet would indicate a failure requiring immediate corrective action?
- Cabinet door seal showing minor wear
- Relative humidity consistently above 60% (Correct answer)
- Cabinet temperature at 68°F (20°C)
- Scopes stored without insertion tube protectors
Correct answer: Relative humidity consistently above 60%
Humidity above 60% promotes microbial growth and biofilm formation, making stored endoscopes unsafe for patient use.
Question 6: What is the purpose of leaving all endoscope channel valves open during storage?
- To prevent valve corrosion from residual chemicals
- To allow air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation (Correct answer)
- To maintain channel patency for next-day use
- To facilitate visual inspection of the valve seats
Correct answer: To allow air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation
Open valves allow airflow through channels, preventing moisture buildup that could support microbial growth.
Question 7: According to AAMI ST91, what is the recommended minimum shelf clearance from the floor for endoscope storage?
- 6 inches (15 cm)
- 8 inches (20 cm)
- 12 inches (30 cm) (Correct answer)
- 18 inches (46 cm)
Correct answer: 12 inches (30 cm)
AAMI ST91 recommends at least 12 inches of clearance from the floor to protect stored items from floor-level contamination and moisture.
CER Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers 3
What is the maximum recommended height for stacking endoscope transport containers to prevent damage?