CER Principles and Maintenance 2

Question 1

Which parameter is most critical to monitor during automated endoscope reprocessing (AER) to ensure consistent disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Cycle time, temperature, and chemical concentration together

Answer

Water temperature only

Answer

The brand of detergent used

Answer

The age of the endoscope

Question 2

What is the purpose of leak testing an endoscope before immersion in liquid detergent?

Accepted Answer

To detect breaches in the endoscope's protective sheath that could allow fluid ingress

Answer

To confirm the scope's optical clarity

Answer

To measure the bending angle of the insertion tube

Answer

To calibrate the light source

Question 3

High-level disinfection (HLD) of flexible endoscopes is sufficient rather than sterilization because:

Accepted Answer

Heat-sensitive materials cannot withstand sterilization cycles and HLD eliminates all pathogens except high numbers of bacterial spores

Answer

Endoscopes are used only on healthy patients

Answer

HLD is faster and cheaper with no infection risk

Answer

Regulatory agencies have not approved sterilization for endoscopes

Question 4

When should the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of a high-level disinfectant be tested?

Accepted Answer

Before each day of use or per manufacturer instructions

Answer

Only when a new container is opened

Answer

Monthly by a certified laboratory

Answer

Only after a reprocessing failure is reported

Question 5

Which type of water is recommended for the final rinse step after high-level disinfection of endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

Sterile water, filtered water, or water meeting specific microbiological standards

Answer

Tap water at any temperature

Answer

Distilled water heated to 50°C

Answer

Deionized water combined with 70% alcohol

Question 6

During manual cleaning of an endoscope, brushing of instrument channels should continue until:

Accepted Answer

The brush emerges clean on both ends, indicating debris has been removed

Answer

Five passes have been completed

Answer

Ten minutes have elapsed

Answer

The channel no longer produces foam

Question 7

What does 'shelf life' refer to in the context of high-level disinfectants?

Accepted Answer

The number of endoscope cycles an activated solution can support while remaining above MEC

Answer

How long a sealed container can be stored before opening

Answer

The time between chemical manufacture and expiry of the raw ingredient

Answer

How long a disinfected endoscope can remain on the shelf before use