CER Microbiology and Infection Control 5

Question 1

Which water quality is recommended for the FINAL rinse of endoscopes after high-level disinfection to prevent recontamination?

Accepted Answer

Sterile water or filtered water meeting AAMI standards

Answer

Sterile water or filtered water meeting AAMI/AORN standards should be used for the final rinse to prevent reintroduction of waterborne microorganisms onto a disinfected scope.

Question 2

An endoscope is identified as 'semi-critical' under the Spaulding classification. What is the MINIMUM required level of reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection (HLD)

Answer

Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require at minimum high-level disinfection, which eliminates all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores.

Question 3

Which of the following BEST describes how biofilm protects embedded microorganisms from disinfectants?

Accepted Answer

The polysaccharide matrix limits disinfectant penetration and creates a protected microenvironment

Answer

Biofilm's extracellular polysaccharide matrix acts as a physical barrier that dramatically reduces penetration of disinfectants and creates protected microenvironments where organisms survive.

Question 4

When testing an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), which type of test verifies that all internal channels of the scope are receiving adequate flow during the reprocessing cycle?

Accepted Answer

Channel flow/pressure leak test

Answer

Channel flow or pressure testing verifies that irrigation fluid is reaching all internal lumens of the endoscope during AER reprocessing, ensuring no blocked channels are missed.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about alcohol (70% isopropyl) as a disinfectant for endoscopes is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is used as a drying agent after HLD but does not itself provide HLD

Answer

Alcohol (70% isopropyl or ethyl) is used to flush channels after rinsing to facilitate drying and inhibit waterborne organism growth, but it does not achieve HLD on its own.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER Microbiology and Infection Control 5