Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques Flashcards

Which prion-specific reprocessing step is recommended by the CDC for endoscopes used on patients with suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Answer: Autoclaving at 134°C for 18 minutes followed by disposal

For prion-contaminated instruments, autoclaving at 134°C for 18 minutes (gravity cycle) followed by disposal or dedicated quarantine is the recommended approach, as standard HLD does not inactivate prions.

What does the term 'reprocessing' encompass in the context of flexible endoscopes?

Answer: Pre-cleaning, leak testing, manual cleaning, HLD or sterilization, rinsing, drying, and storage

Reprocessing is a multi-step process that includes pre-cleaning at point of use, leak testing, manual cleaning, high-level disinfection or sterilization, final rinsing, thorough drying, and proper storage.

Which organism is considered the gold-standard biological indicator for monitoring steam sterilization?

Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are used as biological indicators for steam sterilization because they are highly heat-resistant and reliably killed by proper steam cycles.

A technician notices that a scope's biopsy channel shows discoloration and debris after manual cleaning. What is the correct action?

Answer: Return the scope to manual cleaning until visually clean before proceeding

Disinfection cannot be effective if organic debris is present; the scope must be returned to manual cleaning to achieve visual cleanliness before advancing to HLD.

When using peracetic acid–based liquid chemical sterilant, what is the critical parameter the technician must verify before each cycle?

Answer: Minimum effective concentration using a chemical test strip

Peracetic acid degrades over time and with use; chemical test strips must confirm the solution meets or exceeds the minimum effective concentration (MEC) before every cycle.

What is the primary purpose of performing a leak test on a flexible endoscope before manual cleaning?

Answer: To detect internal damage that could allow cleaning fluids to damage the scope or allow organisms to harbor inside

Leak testing detects breaches in the scope's protective sheath or internal channels that could allow fluids to enter and damage internal components or create biofilm reservoirs.

Which storage condition best prevents recontamination of high-level disinfected flexible endoscopes?

Answer: Hanging vertically in a ventilated cabinet with caps removed

Scopes should be hung vertically in ventilated, dedicated cabinets with all caps and valves removed to promote drying and prevent moisture accumulation that supports microbial growth.