CER Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An endoscope has been stored properly for 5 days. Before patient use, what step is required according to most facility protocols?
- Visual inspection only
- Leak testing only
- Full reprocessing cycle (Correct answer)
- High-level disinfection only
Correct answer: Full reprocessing cycle
Most facilities require full reprocessing of stored endoscopes after a defined maximum storage time (commonly 5–7 days) to ensure safety.
Question 2: Which labeling information is most critical on a transport container holding a reprocessed endoscope?
- The endoscope brand and model number
- The reprocessing completion date/time and technician ID (Correct answer)
- The patient name for the next scheduled case
- The chemical disinfectant concentration used
Correct answer: The reprocessing completion date/time and technician ID
Reprocessing date/time and technician ID establish traceability and allow staff to verify the scope is within its maximum storage window.
Question 3: What is the primary risk of coiling an endoscope too tightly during transport or storage?
- Scratching the outer sheath
- Damage to internal light guide fibers and working channels (Correct answer)
- Contamination of the control head
- Misalignment of the biopsy port cap
Correct answer: Damage to internal light guide fibers and working channels
Tight coiling creates kinks that can fracture internal fiber optic bundles and deform or crack internal channels.
Question 4: Which practice BEST reduces the risk of recontamination during transport of a high-level disinfected endoscope?
- Transporting within 30 minutes of reprocessing
- Using a dedicated clean transport container that is regularly disinfected (Correct answer)
- Wrapping the scope in sterile drapes
- Assigning the same technician to transport and store all scopes
Correct answer: Using a dedicated clean transport container that is regularly disinfected
A dedicated, regularly disinfected transport container prevents environmental recontamination of the processed endoscope.
Question 5: During transport of a soiled flexible endoscope, the pre-cleaning (bedside flush) should have been performed:
- In the endoscope reprocessing area before transport
- Immediately after removal from the patient at point of use (Correct answer)
- Upon arrival in the reprocessing area
- Only if visible soil is present on the insertion tube
Correct answer: Immediately after removal from the patient at point of use
Bedside pre-cleaning at point of use prevents organic soil from drying in channels, which significantly reduces cleaning effectiveness.
Question 6: A transport cart used for soiled endoscopes should be cleaned and disinfected:
- Once per shift
- After each use (Correct answer)
- At the end of each day
- Weekly
Correct answer: After each use
Contaminated transport carts must be cleaned and disinfected after each use to prevent cross-contamination between patients.
Question 7: Which action is appropriate when an endoscope transport container lid does not seal properly?
- Secure the lid with tape for the current transport only
- Use an alternative container and remove the damaged one from service (Correct answer)
- Line the container with an absorbent pad to compensate
- Proceed with transport at reduced speed
Correct answer: Use an alternative container and remove the damaged one from service
A damaged container that cannot seal must be removed from service immediately; tape or workarounds do not restore containment integrity.
CER Handling, Transport, and Storage Questions and Answers 4
An endoscope has been stored properly for 5 days.
Before patient use, what step is required according to most facility protocols?