Scope and Equipment Reprocessing Flashcards

What is the primary safety advantage of disposable-component duodenoscopes?

Answer: Elimination of the reprocessing-resistant elevator mechanism, reducing cross-contamination risk

Disposable-tip designs eliminate the component most resistant to reprocessing between patients.

Surveillance cultures from a gastroscope channel grow >10 CFU of gram-negative bacteria. What action is required?

Answer: Quarantine the endoscope, investigate, repeat reprocessing, and reculture before returning to service

Positive surveillance cultures require quarantining, investigation, repeat reprocessing, and confirmed negative cultures.

What documentation must be maintained for each endoscope reprocessing cycle?

Answer: Endoscope serial number, patient linkage, date/time, staff, AER parameters, and MEC results

Complete documentation enables traceability from any patient to the specific endoscope and its reprocessing history.

What is the function of the air/water channel in a standard gastroscope?

Answer: To provide lens washing (water) and insufflation (air) through the distal tip

The air/water channel serves dual functions: air for insufflation and water for lens washing.

What is the primary disadvantage of ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization for routine endoscope use?

Answer: Long cycle time (12-24 hours) makes it impractical for high-volume reprocessing

EtO requires 12-24 hours including mandatory aeration, making same-day turnaround impossible.

What is the significance of the AAMI ST91 standard in endoscope reprocessing?

Answer: Provides comprehensive guidelines for flexible endoscope reprocessing including water quality, chemical selection, monitoring, and facility design

AAMI ST91 is the comprehensive national standard governing all aspects of endoscope reprocessing.