CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Peracetic acid-based HLD systems (e.g., SYSTEM 1E) are described as single-use because:
- The chemistry degrades to ineffective levels after one cycle (Correct answer)
- The machine cannot run more than one scope per day
- The peracetic acid evaporates instantly after use
- Regulatory agencies prohibit reuse for liability reasons
Correct answer: The chemistry degrades to ineffective levels after one cycle
Peracetic acid rapidly degrades after activation, so concentration drops below effective levels after a single reprocessing cycle, making reuse unsafe.
Question 2: During channel flushing before HLD, why must all internal channels be flushed with enzymatic detergent?
- To remove organic debris that would inactivate the disinfectant (Correct answer)
- To lubricate the channels for easier scope insertion
- To dissolve the channel material for better contact
- To measure channel volume for dosing calculations
Correct answer: To remove organic debris that would inactivate the disinfectant
Organic debris (blood, mucus, tissue) inactivates HLD chemicals, so all channels must be cleaned with enzymatic detergent to ensure the disinfectant can contact all surfaces.
Question 3: What is the purpose of using a test strip (MEC strip) before each use of a HLD solution?
- To verify the active ingredient concentration meets the minimum effective level (Correct answer)
- To check the pH only
- To confirm the solution is the correct color
- To measure the volume of solution remaining
Correct answer: To verify the active ingredient concentration meets the minimum effective level
MEC test strips confirm the active chemical is at or above the minimum effective concentration required to kill targeted microorganisms.
Question 4: Which of the following microorganisms is considered the most resistant to high-level disinfection?
- Bacterial spores (e.g., Clostridium spores) (Correct answer)
- Vegetative bacteria
- Enveloped viruses (e.g., HIV)
- Fungi
Correct answer: Bacterial spores (e.g., Clostridium spores)
Bacterial endospores are the most resistant category of microorganisms to chemical disinfectants; HLD does not reliably kill all spores, which is why sterilization is used for critical items.
Question 5: An endoscope used for a bronchoscopy procedure is classified under the Spaulding system as:
- Semi-critical, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Critical, requiring sterilization only
- Non-critical, requiring low-level disinfection
- Non-critical, requiring intermediate-level disinfection
Correct answer: Semi-critical, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection
Bronchoscopes contact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical devices requiring a minimum of high-level disinfection between patient uses.
Question 6: When documenting HLD reprocessing, which data element is LEAST essential to record?
- The technician's favorite brand of PPE (Correct answer)
- Patient/procedure identifier
- Lot number of the disinfectant
- MEC test result and date/time
Correct answer: The technician's favorite brand of PPE
Personal PPE brand preference is irrelevant to traceability; essential documentation includes patient ID, disinfectant lot number, MEC results, and timestamps.
Question 7: Why should endoscopes NOT be stored in their transport cases after reprocessing?
- Cases retain moisture that promotes microbial growth (Correct answer)
- Cases cause mechanical damage to insertion tubes
- Cases are not approved for use in the US
- Cases prevent the scope from being inspected
Correct answer: Cases retain moisture that promotes microbial growth
Transport cases trap moisture and create a warm environment that promotes bacterial proliferation, so properly reprocessed scopes must be stored in ventilated, dedicated scope cabinets.
CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers 4
Peracetic acid-based HLD systems (e.g., SYSTEM 1E) are described as single-use because: