Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques Flashcards

Which of the following is an appropriate use of glutaraldehyde 2.4–2.65% solution for flexible endoscope reprocessing?

Answer: High-level disinfection with a minimum exposure time of 20–45 minutes at 20–25°C

Glutaraldehyde achieves high-level disinfection of endoscopes when used at the manufacturer-specified concentration with a minimum 20–45 minute immersion at 20–25°C.

What is the primary rationale for using sterile water (rather than tap water) for the final rinse of high-risk endoscopes such as ERCP scopes?

Answer: Tap water may introduce waterborne organisms such as Pseudomonas or Legionella that can colonize the rinsed scope

Tap water can harbor waterborne pathogens that recontaminate a freshly reprocessed scope; sterile or filtered water is used for the final rinse to prevent post-reprocessing contamination.

A reprocessing technician accidentally exceeds the maximum number of uses listed on a single-use HLD test strip container. What is the correct action?

Answer: Discard the opened container and open a new one; document the discrepancy

Test strip containers specify a maximum number of dips after opening; exceeding this renders results unreliable, so the container must be discarded and the incident documented.

Which of the following endoscope components is MOST likely to harbor residual contamination if drying is inadequate?

Answer: The internal lumens and channels

Internal lumens and channels retain moisture after reprocessing, creating an environment conducive to microbial growth if not thoroughly dried with forced air before storage.

During a routine quality audit, it is discovered that enzymatic detergent was used beyond its manufacturer-recommended use life. What infection control risk does this create?

Answer: Enzymatic activity decreases over time, reducing effectiveness and potentially allowing organic debris to persist

Enzymatic detergents lose protease activity over time or with repeated use; diminished enzymatic activity means organic debris may not be fully broken down, compromising subsequent disinfection.

What is the Spaulding classification of a biopsy forceps that enters sterile tissue during an endoscopic mucosal resection?

Answer: Critical

Instruments that penetrate sterile tissue or enter the vascular system are classified as critical and require sterilization before use.

A facility switches from glutaraldehyde to ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) as its primary HLD agent. Which occupational health consideration is MOST important to communicate to staff?

Answer: OPA can stain skin, mucous membranes, and clothing gray and requires immediate decontamination on contact

OPA is known to stain proteins gray, including skin and mucous membranes; staff must be trained to use proper PPE and to immediately wash any exposed areas.