CER Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

Which reprocessing step has been identified as the single most critical factor in preventing endoscope-related infection transmission?

Accepted Answer

Manual cleaning performed immediately after the procedure

Answer

Manual cleaning reduces bioburden by up to 4 log10, and inadequate cleaning is the root cause identified in most endoscope-related outbreak investigations.

Question 2

Which of the following organisms requires PRION decontamination protocols rather than standard high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) prion

Answer

CJD prions are not inactivated by standard HLD; dedicated equipment and specific decontamination protocols (e.g., extended autoclaving at 134°C) or instrument destruction are required.

Question 3

An endoscope reprocessing technician notices the MEC test strip for glutaraldehyde solution shows the color is lighter than the reference standard. The correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch

Answer

A MEC test showing concentration below the minimum effective concentration means the solution cannot provide reliable HLD and must be discarded.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of flushing all endoscope channels with 70% isopropyl alcohol followed by forced air during the drying step?

Accepted Answer

To remove residual water that supports microbial growth during storage

Answer

Residual moisture in stored endoscope channels supports rapid microbial proliferation, including Pseudomonas; alcohol aids water displacement and evaporation.

Question 5

Standard precautions in an endoscopy reprocessing area require that staff wear PPE that includes, at minimum:

Accepted Answer

Gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face shield or mask with eye protection, and appropriate gloves

Answer

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards and SGNA guidelines require gloves, fluid-resistant gown, and face/eye protection due to splash risk from contaminated scopes and chemicals.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers 4