CET Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques 3

Question 1

According to SGNA guidelines, what is the maximum time allowed for a reprocessed endoscope to hang in storage before it must be reprocessed again?

Accepted Answer

5–7 days, per facility policy based on validated evidence

Answer

SGNA and AORN recommend that facilities establish a hang time based on validated evidence; typically 5–7 days in a properly ventilated cabinet is accepted, but facilities must follow their validated policy.

Question 2

What distinguishes a high-level disinfectant from a sterilant?

Accepted Answer

Sterilants destroy all forms of microbial life; HLD kills most pathogens but may not eliminate high numbers of bacterial spores

Answer

Sterilants destroy all microbial life including high levels of spores; HLD eliminates most pathogens but may leave trace spore populations, making sterilization the higher standard.

Question 3

A colonoscope is classified under Spaulding's classification as which category, requiring which reprocessing level?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical — requires at minimum high-level disinfection

Answer

Colonoscopes contact intact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection between patient uses.

Question 4

Which PPE ensemble is required when manually cleaning contaminated flexible endoscopes?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, waterproof gown, eye protection, and surgical mask or face shield

Answer

Manual cleaning involves aerosolization and splashing of potentially infectious fluids; full PPE including gloves, waterproof gown, eye protection, and mask/face shield is required.

Question 5

What effect does biofilm formation have on endoscope reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Biofilm protects embedded organisms from disinfectants and increases risk of patient transmission

Answer

Biofilm creates a protective matrix that shields embedded microorganisms from disinfectants, making adequate initial cleaning essential to prevent biofilm-related reprocessing failures.

(CET) Certified Endoscopy Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Endoscopy Technician Practice Test

CET Infection Control & Sterilization Techniques 3