CER Work Area Design & Workflow Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reason the decontamination area should be physically separated from the clean assembly and storage area?
- To comply with fire code egress requirements
- To prevent cross-contamination between soiled and cleaned/sterile items (Correct answer)
- To allow different staff members to work simultaneously
- To reduce noise levels in the clean work environment
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination between soiled and cleaned/sterile items
Physical separation is the cornerstone of infection prevention, ensuring that biological contaminants from soiled scopes cannot reach cleaned or high-level disinfected scopes.
Question 2: Which type of flooring is most appropriate for an endoscope reprocessing decontamination area?
- Carpet for anti-fatigue comfort of staff
- Seamless, non-porous, slip-resistant flooring with coved base (Correct answer)
- Standard vinyl tile for easy replacement of damaged sections
- Raised perforated metal grating for drainage
Correct answer: Seamless, non-porous, slip-resistant flooring with coved base
Seamless, non-porous flooring with coved (curved) base eliminates seams and corners where biofilm and moisture can accumulate.
Question 3: What does AAMI ST91 recommend regarding the temperature of the endoscope storage area?
- Temperature should be kept at 60–65°F to slow microbial growth
- Temperature and humidity should be controlled and documented to prevent scope degradation and microbial growth (Correct answer)
- Temperature must match the procedure room to prevent condensation on scopes
- Temperature control is not addressed and left to facility discretion
Correct answer: Temperature and humidity should be controlled and documented to prevent scope degradation and microbial growth
Controlled, documented temperature and humidity in storage areas protect both the integrity of the endoscopes and limit microbial proliferation.
Question 4: In a well-designed reprocessing area, where should the automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) be located?
- In the decontamination zone immediately adjacent to the soiled intake area
- In the clean processing zone, accessible after manual cleaning is complete (Correct answer)
- In the storage room to minimize scope handling
- In the procedure room for immediate turnaround
Correct answer: In the clean processing zone, accessible after manual cleaning is complete
AERs should be in the clean processing zone because scopes must complete manual cleaning and leak testing before entering the AER cycle.
Question 5: Which PPE element is uniquely important when working in the decontamination area compared to the clean zone?
- Face shield or goggles and impermeable gown to guard against splashes of blood and body fluids (Correct answer)
- Sterile gloves to avoid contaminating cleaned instruments
- ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap to protect electronic components
- N95 respirator worn at all times regardless of chemical use
Correct answer: Face shield or goggles and impermeable gown to guard against splashes of blood and body fluids
The decontamination area involves handling soiled scopes with blood and body fluids, requiring splash protection beyond what is needed in the clean zone.
Question 6: What is the recommended air change per hour (ACH) rate for the decontamination area in an endoscope reprocessing facility?
- At least 6 ACH
- At least 10 ACH (Correct answer)
- At least 15 ACH
- At least 20 ACH
Correct answer: At least 10 ACH
A minimum of 10 air changes per hour is recommended in the decontamination area to dilute and remove chemical vapors and aerosols.
Question 7: Why should drying cabinets used for endoscope storage deliver filtered (HEPA or 0.2-micron) air?
- Filtered air prevents moisture from forming inside the scope channels
- Filtered air prevents recontamination of the scope lumens during the drying process (Correct answer)
- Filtered air is required to maintain FDA 510(k) cabinet clearance
- Filtered air reduces the noise level of the drying cabinet fan
Correct answer: Filtered air prevents recontamination of the scope lumens during the drying process
Filtered air ensures that microorganisms are not introduced into the scope channels during forced-air drying, which is the final step before storage.
CER Work Area Design & Workflow Questions and Answers 4
What is the primary reason the decontamination area should be physically separated from the clean assembly and storage area?