CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

Which factor most directly affects the efficacy of glutaraldehyde as a high-level disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

Solution pH

Answer

Glutaraldehyde is most effective at an alkaline pH (7.5–8.5), and deviation from this range significantly reduces its antimicrobial activity.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of leak testing an endoscope before HLD?

Accepted Answer

To detect internal channel damage that could harbor pathogens

Answer

Leak testing identifies breaches in the endoscope's protective covering that would allow reprocessing chemicals to damage internal components and harbor pathogens.

Question 3

When using ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) for HLD, what is the minimum recommended contact time at 20°C per FDA guidelines?

Accepted Answer

12 minutes

Answer

The FDA-cleared contact time for OPA (Cidex OPA) at 20°C is 12 minutes to achieve high-level disinfection.

Question 4

A reprocessing technician notices the MEC test strip shows the glutaraldehyde solution is below the minimum effective concentration. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch

Answer

Solutions that fall below the minimum effective concentration (MEC) must be discarded immediately because they cannot reliably achieve high-level disinfection.

Question 5

Which step must occur immediately after removing an endoscope from the HLD solution?

Accepted Answer

Thorough rinsing with sterile or filtered water

Answer

Thorough rinsing with sterile or filtered water immediately after HLD is essential to remove all chemical residues that could cause patient injury.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers 3