CER Scope Inspection and Testing Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During post-procedure inspection, a technician notices the endoscope's biopsy channel has a slight brown discoloration that does not flush out. What is the most appropriate next action?
- Proceed with reprocessing using increased chemical exposure time
- Remove the scope from service and report to the supervisor for further evaluation (Correct answer)
- Use a stiffer brush to scrub the discoloration during manual cleaning
- Document the finding and return the scope to the procedure room
Correct answer: Remove the scope from service and report to the supervisor for further evaluation
Persistent discoloration that does not flush out may indicate damage, residue buildup, or contamination requiring evaluation before the scope is reprocessed or returned to service.
Question 2: What is the purpose of performing a leak test on an endoscope before manual cleaning?
- To confirm the distal tip bending section is flexible
- To detect any breaches in the scope's protective outer sheath before immersion (Correct answer)
- To verify that the suction valve is functioning correctly
- To measure internal channel diameter for brush selection
Correct answer: To detect any breaches in the scope's protective outer sheath before immersion
Leak testing before immersion identifies any breaches in the outer sheath or internal components that could allow fluid ingress and damage internal electronics.
Question 3: A leak test reveals a steady stream of bubbles from the insertion tube when the scope is submerged. What does this finding indicate?
- Normal air purging from internal channels
- A breach in the outer sheath of the insertion tube (Correct answer)
- Proper pressure equalization through a vent port
- Activation of the scope's internal pressure relief valve
Correct answer: A breach in the outer sheath of the insertion tube
A steady stream of bubbles from the insertion tube during a leak test indicates a defect or breach in the outer protective sheath.
Question 4: Which of the following areas of an endoscope is MOST commonly associated with damage discovered during visual inspection?
- Umbilical cord
- Light guide connector
- Distal tip and bending section (Correct answer)
- Suction valve port
Correct answer: Distal tip and bending section
The distal tip and bending section experience the most mechanical stress during procedures, making them the most common sites of wear and damage.
Question 5: When inspecting the working channel of a colonoscope, which tool is used to assess the internal surface for scratches or irregularities?
- Magnifying loupe
- Channel inspection scope or borescope (Correct answer)
- Flexible brush with attached light
- Sterile cotton swab
Correct answer: Channel inspection scope or borescope
A borescope or channel inspection scope is inserted into the working channel to visually assess the internal surface for scratches, pitting, or foreign material.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure if a scope fails its leak test while already submerged in enzymatic detergent solution?
- Complete manual cleaning, then send for repair
- Immediately remove the scope from solution, dry the exterior, and send for repair without further immersion (Correct answer)
- Increase enzymatic solution concentration to prevent internal damage
- Continue with full reprocessing to eliminate any internal contamination
Correct answer: Immediately remove the scope from solution, dry the exterior, and send for repair without further immersion
A scope that fails leak testing while submerged should be immediately removed and dried externally; further immersion risks internal fluid damage and must be avoided until repaired.
Question 7: During functional testing of a flexible bronchoscope, the technician observes that the angulation control knob requires excessive force to move the bending section. What is the most likely cause?
- Improper angulation lock engagement
- Internal wire tension imbalance or mechanical damage to the angulation mechanism (Correct answer)
- Excessive enzymatic detergent residue in the bending section
- Normal stiffness due to new scope break-in period
Correct answer: Internal wire tension imbalance or mechanical damage to the angulation mechanism
Excessive resistance in the angulation control knob typically indicates damaged or improperly tensioned angulation wires or mechanical wear within the control mechanism.
CER Scope Inspection and Testing Questions and Answers 3
During post-procedure inspection, a technician notices the endoscope's biopsy channel has a slight brown discoloration that does not flush out.
What is the most appropriate next action?