CER Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

Which type of hepatitis virus is MOST commonly transmitted via contaminated endoscopes due to inadequate reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C

Answer

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most frequently transmitted bloodborne pathogen linked to endoscope reprocessing failures in documented outbreaks.

Question 2

What is the minimum contact time required for a high-level disinfectant to achieve its labeled efficacy against high-level disinfection organisms?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's minimum stated exposure time at the labeled concentration and temperature

Answer

Efficacy depends on following the exact manufacturer-specified contact time, concentration, and temperature parameters validated during FDA clearance.

Question 3

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant concern in endoscope reprocessing primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Can colonize waterlines and recontaminate scopes during rinsing

Answer

P. aeruginosa thrives in biofilms within water supply lines and rinse water, making it a major source of post-HLD recontamination.

Question 4

A biofilm found on the inner channel of an endoscope is MOST problematic because it:

Accepted Answer

Physically protects embedded microorganisms from chemical disinfectants

Answer

The extracellular polysaccharide matrix of biofilm shields bacteria from liquid chemical disinfectants, making thorough mechanical cleaning before HLD critical.

Question 5

Which organism is used as the biological indicator to validate sterilization processes in most US healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores

Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization because of their high heat resistance.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers 3