CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

Peracetic acid-based HLD systems (e.g., SYSTEM 1E) are described as single-use because:

Accepted Answer

The chemistry degrades to ineffective levels after one cycle

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To remove organic debris that would inactivate the disinfectant

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To verify the active ingredient concentration meets the minimum effective level

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial spores (e.g., Clostridium spores)

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection

Answer

Bronchoscopes contact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical devices requiring a minimum of high-level disinfection between patient uses.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers 4